Astronomy of the Nov. 28 Lunar Eclipse

From EarthSky~
Smallest Full Moon of year and penumbral Lunar Eclipse Nov. 28:
In North America, we often call the November full moon the Frosty Moon or Beaver Moon. This year, the November full moon gives the world its smallest full moon of the year – and in North America, a penumbral eclipse of the moon before sunrise November 28. In the world’s Eastern Hemisphere – Europe, Africa, Asia, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand – the penumbral lunar eclipse takes placeafter sunset November 28.

From Images 108

From SPACE.com~
Nov. 28, 9:46 a.m. EST - Full Beaver Moon. Now it is time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Beaver Full Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter. This full moon is also called the Frosty Moon. Since the moon arrives at apogee less than six hours later, this will also be the smallest full moon of 2012. In terms of apparent size, it will appear 12 percent smaller than the full moon of May 5. There is also a penumbral lunar eclipse with this full moon; observers in the western parts of the U.S. and Canada might notice the upper part of the moon appearing slightly darker as 92 percent of the moon’s diameter becomes immersed in the fainter penumbral shadow of Earth.

World visibility map for the Gemini lunar eclipse

This lunar eclipse belongs to Saros series 145. The first eclipse of Saros 145 was Aug. 11, 1832, and the last is Sept. 16, 3094. Duration of Saros 145 = 1262.11 years. (NASA)

************

NASA Releases Mesmerizing Video of Lunar Phases for 2013