Washington, Dec 10 : NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft, orbiting 31 miles above the lunar surface, will get a "front-row seat" to observe the total lunar eclipse today.

LRO's Diviner instrument will record how quickly targeted areas on the moon's dayside cool off during the eclipse.

The degree of cooling is dependent on factors such as how rocky the surface is, how densely packed the soil is, and its mineral composition.

By studying the lunar surface during the eclipse, scientists can learn even more about our nearest celestial neighbour.

During the December 2011 lunar eclipse, scientists will be able to get a unique view of the moon.

While the sun is blocked by the Earth, LRO''s Diviner instrument will take the temperature on the lunar surface. Since different rock sizes cool at different rates, scientists will be able to infer the size and density of rocks on the moon.

From beginning to end, the eclipse will last from 11:33 UT (6:33 a. m. EST, 3:33 a. m. PST) to 17:30 UT (12:30 p. m. EST, 9:30 a. m. PST).

Totality, the time when Earth''s shadow completely covers the moon, will last 51 minutes.

All of the United States will see some portion of the eclipse while the West Coast will have a more complete view of this particular eclipse. (ANI)