The total lunar eclipse tonight is such a rare event that it hasn't happened in 372 years.  Sure, we've had lunar eclipses aplenty in the past few centuries, but this eclipse happens on the winter solstice (summer solstice if you live south of the equator), which hasn't happened since 1638.  The eclipse will begin at half past midnight on the east coast, 9:30 PM in the west.  The actual total eclipse will occur at 3:17 AM Eastern, 12:17 AM Pacific, and at that time, a minor meteor shower will be highly visible, weather permitting.  The Earth's angle will allow some sunlight through and turn the moon either a coppery color or blood red.  In ancient times, such events were thought to be a huge beast taking a bite out of the moon and the red color was believed to be the moon bleeding.  Here in southern California, the sight will be obliterated by a cloud cover from record rainfall.