No enthusiastic skywatcher ever misses a total eclipse of the Moon. Yet during the time that the Moon is entering into and later emerging from out of the Earth's shadow, secondary phenomena may be overlooked by any observer who isn't prepared.

To guide you through the lunar eclipse of May 15-16, SPACE.coms backyard astronomy columnist Joe Rao -- a veteran of 11 total lunar eclipses -- has prepared this chronology, including some of the things you might expect to see if you know when to look.

Probably not all of the things mentioned will occur, because no two eclipses are exactly the same. But preparation improves your chances of spotting what does take place.

Click on any stage in the timetable below for a description of what will or might happen. All times in black are for the evening of May 15; red times correspond to the morning of May 16. Dashes indicate the Moon has not yet risen above the horizon.