HispanicBusiness

The Bible mentions the moon turning red numerous times -- usually as a warning of dire events -- and, weather-permitting, all of North America will have a perfect view of it happening Monday night and early Tuesday when a total lunar eclipse is predicted.

"The weather is supposed to warm up by Monday, so I'm hoping for a clear night and a great view," said Chuck Percival, a local astronomer who teaches at Colorado State University- Pueblo.

The eclipse will begin at 11:33 p.m. Monday, with the full eclipse under way at 12:41 a.m. Tuesday. The whole show ends about 3 a.m.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and a full moon, and the moon is entirely covered by Earth's shadow. As the moon enters into the shadow, it appears to change from silvery gray to orange and red, sometimes turning even darker colors before the eclipse eases and the moon passes back into sunlight.

Because of volcanic ash in the atmosphere this winter, the moon could be particularly dark and red at full eclipse.

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to look at with the naked eye and are more spectacular with binoculars.

Partial or full lunar eclipses occur almost annually. According to NASA, the last time a full lunar eclipse occurred on Dec. 21 -- the winter solstice and shortest day of the year -- was in 1991. It is only coincidental that the eclipse will occur on the solstice this year. But it will not happen again on Dec. 21 until the year 2094.