Tonight, for the third time in the past year, the moon will become completely immersed in the Earth’s shadow, resulting in a total lunar eclipse.

As is the case with all lunar eclipses, the region of visibility will encompass more than half of our planet. Nearly a billion people in the Western Hemisphere, more than 1.5 billion in Europe and Africa, and perhaps another half-billion in western Asia will be able to watch — weather permitting — as the brilliant mid-winter full moon becomes a shadow of its former self and morphs into a glowing coppery ball.

Almost everyone in the Americas and Western Europe will have a beautiful view of this eclipse if bad weather doesn’t spoil the show. The moon will be high in a dark evening sky as viewed from most of the United States and Canada while most people are still awake and about…

Not until Dec. 21, 2010 will there be another total lunar eclipse; that one too will again favor the Americas.

So although we’ve had a veritable plethora of total eclipses of late, keep in mind that after next Wednesday, you’ll have to wait almost three years until your next chance to see another.

Decent graphics and schedule guide available when you click through to the article.

Hopefully, your understanding of the phenomenon will keep you from falling to your knees in fear and trembling.