NEW DELHI - New Delhi residents were treated to a relatively rare celestial treat this Saturday, on the 10th

of December 2011, as the moon was partially eclipsed by the Earths shadow for 51 minutes. The moon rose at 5:17 PM IST, already partially eclipsed, looking like it was not a full moon due to it being partially covered by the Earths shadow. The fraction of the moon that was visible kept gradually decreasing until just a sliver of light was visible on its edge. At 7:36 PM IST, the moon entered the total phase of the eclipse and the moon took on a reddish tinge, as some indirect sunlight continued to reach it after passing through the Earth's atmosphere. Since the atmosphere scatters blue light, only red light strikes the moon, giving it a crimson hue. Ramesh Sharma, a young professional from Naraina, said he was very shocked when the moon suddenly seemed to turn red and can imagine how this could be seen as a bad omen by early settlers. The Amateur Astronomers Association, Delhi; had organized a free-of-cost public sky-watch in association with the Nehru Planetarium in their lawns to help spread awareness about eclipses, debunk the myths attached with them and to share their passion for astronomy and science with the general public. Over 1,500 people from all walks of life turned in the frigid December air out to attend the event and got a chance to see the eclipse through the many telescopes that had been arranged there for public viewing. They also saw presentations, heard live updates about what was happening and what they should expect next and got a chance to interact with the astronomers present there. It's really exciting to be out here. It's really just a beautiful thing. said Gita, a student from Delhi University who was present there. The event was streamed live through the Internet through AAADs website where it logged 10,000 views worldwide in a little over 3 hours. This was especially nice for those who couldnt make it for logistical reasons and for people in other cities or countries. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon goes through the long shadow cast by the Earth and is blocked from the sunlight that illuminates it. The last time a Total Lunar Eclipse happened was in June of this year, however the next Lunar Eclipse wont happen until April 2014.