Chinese people in most parts of the country should be able to observe a lunar eclipse tomorrow, according to China's Purple Mountain Observatory.

Tomorrow's lunar eclipse is well-placed for eastern Asia and Australia, as well as North and South America. Most of China will witness the eclipse, except the very west section of the country.

The early umbral phases will be in progress at 4:51 PM Beijing time for observers in China. From start to finish, tomorrow's lunar eclipse will last about three hours and thirty-three minutes (not including the penumbral phases, which are very difficult to see).

The partial eclipse begins as the moon's eastern edge slowly moves into the Earth's umbral shadow. During the partial phases, it takes just over an hour for the moon's orbital motion to carry it entirely within the Earth's dark umbra.

The moon will be immersed within the Earth's dark Shadow at 5:52 PM and then can be witnessed rising from the east during the sunset. By 6:37 PM, the moon will again be completely hidden in the shadow and the totality will end at 7:23 PM.

The color and brightness of the totally eclipsed moon can vary considerably from one eclipse to another, NASA said on its Website. Dark eclipses are caused by volcanic gas and dust that filters and blocks much of the Sun's light from reaching the moon. But since no major volcanic eruptions have taken place recently, the moon will probably take on a vivid red or orange color during the total phase. After the total phase ends, it is once again followed by a partial eclipse as the moon gradually leaves the umbral shadow.

The eclipse will end at 8:24 PM, according to the observatory. The next one will occur on June 16, 2011.

(Shanghai Daily August 27, 2007)