The last total lunar eclipse of 2011 is set to happen within the next 24 hours! It will appear in the western sky Saturday morning just before dawn in the west coast of the U.S. More details after the jump…

Wendy L.

(HP)–Most easily seen by viewers in the western half of the U.S., Saturday’s show will be the last chance to catch a total lunar eclipse for another three years, according to the Associated Press.

The eclipse will begin at 4:45 a.m. PST when a red shadow starts to cover the moon. Those in western North America will have the best views well before dawn, but can still catch the eclipse until as late as 6:05 a.m. PST, according to NASA Science Cast.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun and moon are aligned with the Earth in between them. Earth then casts a temporary shadow on the moon as it blocks the suns rays. As opposed to a partial eclipse, total eclipses entail a perfect alignment of the three bodies.

For those not living on the western coast or in Asia, a Livestream webcast of the event will be hosted by The Skywatchers Association of North Bengal and SLOOH.