By Mariel S. Clark
DNAinfo News Editor
MANHATTAN — Manhattanites willing to brave the frigid winter temperatures will be treated to a total lunar eclipse early Tuesday morning.
The eclipse starts just after 1:30 am and runs for three and a half hours with the peak happening from 2:41 to just before 4 a.m.
Total lunar eclipses happen when the moon passes directly through the shadow of the Earth. This will be the first time a total eclipse of the moon has coincided with the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, in more than 370 years.
Because of the solstice the moon will appear high in the night sky offering anyone in an open space or with rooftop access a great view, according to Richard Rosenberg, President of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York.
"Most people should see the eclipse because the moon is going to be really high in the sky," Rosenberg said, adding, "Of course we're talking about the wee hours of the morning and it's going to be cold outside."
The overnight hours will be mostly clear but will drop to a low of 26 degrees so those wanting to see the spectacle should bundle up, meteorologists said.
Intrepid sky watchers can join the Amateur Astronomers Association and Columbia Astronomy for a total eclipse viewing at the Alma Mater statue in front of Low Library on the 116th Street campus. The event is free and runs from 1:30 to 4 a.m.
In Inwood, the Inwood Astronmy Project will meet to watch the eclipse beginning at 1:15 a.m. at the entrance of Inwood Hill Park at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street.
