La Luna.....

A total lunar eclipse took place on December 10, 2011. It was the second of two total lunar eclipses in 2011, the first having occurred on June 15. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon is positioned just right in its orbit to pass through Earth's shadow. Asia, Australia, and other areas of the Pacific had the best visibility. European countries only saw a partial eclipse of a rising moon, while northwestern North America saw a partial eclipse of a setting moon. Due to air pollution around major metropolitan cities, the eclipsed moon had a reddish appearance, while, in more rural, less-populated areas, the eclipse was more clear.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

What happens during a lunar eclipse?

Penumbral eclipse begins – The outer, light penumbral shadow begins to cover the moon. This phase of the eclipse is subtle. Some people say they can’t tell it’s happening, even while looking right at it. It looks like a dusky shading moving across the moon’s face. For the next hour or two, gradually more and more of the moon will be in shadow.
Partial eclipse begins – The inner, dark umbral shadow begins to cover the moon. Like the penumbral shadow, it starts on one side and slowly creeps across the moon’s face. It looks like a dark bite taken out of the moon.
Total eclipse begins – The dark shadow completely covers the moon. This is the total phase of the eclipse, called the totality. It generally lasts for the better part of an hour. During the totality, the shadow on the moon often appears red. It is very beautiful!
Greatest eclipse – The middle of the eclipse. The totality is still going on.
Total eclipse ends – The inner, dark umbral shadow begins to leave the moon’s face. A sliver of light appears on one edge of the moon. For the next hour or two, gradually less and less of the moon will be in shadow.
Partial eclipse ends – The inner, dark umbral shadow leaves the moon.
Penumbral eclipse ends – the light, outer penumbral shadow leaves the moon. The eclipse is over.

http://earthsky.org/space/how-do-i-watch-the-total-lunar-eclipse

i got a few calls from friends insisting me to join them at the beach for that lunar eclipse gazing. i had to decline those tempting invitations. ive planned to watch it live from the comfort of my backyard, reclining in my lawn chair sipping tea and just enjoying the one of the nature's grandest spectacles. my only worry was those clouds which might be obscuring the eclipse.

- the cloudy dusk clocked at 7.15pm shortly before the setting of the eclipse ; and you can see how the moon was gradually taken in by the dark side (err...?!)

` the actual image of the lunar eclipse...such an amazing sight to behold....