Rare solstice eclipse darkens moon

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Just days before Christmas we all received a very special treat this morning. For the first time in nearly 400 years, a lunar eclipse occurred during winter solstice at 2:41 a.m.

The moon is normally illuminated by the sun. During a total lunar eclipse, the full moon passes through the shadow created by the earth blocking the sun’s light.

Some indirect sunlight will still manage to pierce through and give the moon a ghostly color.

There are two total lunar eclipses in 2011: in June and December.