The earth's shadow cast over the moon during a lunar eclipse on December 21, 2010, seen from the northeastern German town of Petersdorf. During the eclipse, the Earth will align between the full moon and the sun, covering the lunar surface in shadow. This eclipse is notable because it takes place just hours before the winter solstice, which marks the beginning of northern winter and southern summer. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK PLEUL GERMANY OUT (Photo credit should read PATRICK PLEUL/AFP/Getty Images) PATRICK PLEUL / STAFF