Lunar Eclipse Visible In U.S...01/18/00

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Finally, there's an astronomical event for all of us. It won't take a telescope, filter, star chart or degree in rocket science to appreciate the total eclipse of the moon Thursday night. It will be visible above virtually all of North and South America, where the weather allows. "It's perfect the way it's choreographed," said Kelly Beatty, a senior editor at Sky & Telescope magazine. Beginning at 9:03 p.m. EST Thursday, the eclipse will reach its darkest phase between 11:05 p.m. and 12:22 a.m. Friday, when the moon reaches its height over the East Coast. In most places, the moon likely will dim to a dull charcoal or ruddy red, but it could totally disappear for some viewers.