Americas, Asia to get view of total lunar eclipse

A total lunar eclipse, the second this year, will take place Wednesday and will be visible in much of North and South America and Asia, NASA said Tuesday.

The eclipse—during which the moon will be fully covered by the Earth's shadow—will start at 0800 GMT, or 4:00 am on the east coast of the United States, and will continue until sunrise.

Sky watchers can see the phenomenon live via NASA's robotic telescope service, Slooh.

NASA's lunar experts will also answer questions ahead of the celestial event via live web chat from 0700 GMT.

"NASA moon experts will be up all night on October 8 to answer your questions," the space agency said.

The last total lunar eclipse occurred on April 15, and the next is expected to take place on April 4, 2015.

Sky buffs in Africa or Asia are out of luck, NASA said, as the event will not be visible in those regions.