Lunar eclipse expected Sept. 27

According to retired astronomer John Mosley, Sunday Sept. 27, Coeur d'Alene and surrounding communities will be treated to a total eclipse of the moon.

This will be the last total eclipse of the moon visible locally for the next two and a half years. An eclipse of the moon happens when the moon moves into the shadow of the Earth and grows dark, this can only happen with a full moon.

The visible phase of the eclipse begins at 6:07 p.m. when the moon begins to move into the inner part of the Earth's shadow. However, over Coeur d'Alene the moon will not rise until 6:31 p.m. Mosley said for best viewing find a place with a low eastern horizon. The eclipse is total from 7:11 until 8:23 p.m., with a mid-eclipse at 7:47 p.m.

The eclipse is partial for the next hour as the moon slowly moves out of the Earth's shadow, and the eclipse ends at 9:27 p.m.

The best time to look is just before 8 p.m. when the moon is deepest in the Earth's shadow.

Step outside, then face east and enjoy the free show. Binoculars will enhance the view but they are not a necessity to view the eclipse.

The eclipse is visible simultaneously from all of North America and Europe.

The next eclipse of the moon that will be visible from Idaho is a total eclipse on the morning of Jan. 31, 2018.