Third Millennium, First Eclipse . ... Credit Copyright: Fred Espenak (courtesy of www.MrEclipse.com ) Explanation: The first eclipse of the third millennium is coming up! A total lunar eclipse mainly visible from Europe, Asia, and Africa, will occur on January 9th as the full Moon glides through the long, but not so dark shadow of planet Earth . Why not so dark? ... The feeble sunlight still shining on the lunar surface gives the moon a dramatic dark red cast. ... NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...