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Partial Lunar Eclipse - Posted on 2006-09-07 17:41:00

Martin
1300cc Superstar

Joined:
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Posts: 3628
Location:
Kent
United Kingdom

Just in case anyone is interested and wasnt aware ... There is a partial Lunar Eclipse later today ... I'm going to attempt to take some pictures together with some of the full moon. The following was coppied from BBC Essex website and covers the details of this event: At 7.45pm on 7th September the dull outline of a Full Moon emerges from the southeast horizon already in the throes of a Partial Lunar Eclipse. A dusky band should be seen covering the top of an otherwise brightening lunar disc. Within about 5 minutes of rising the Moon will have reached mid eclipse with a maximum coverage of just under 20 percent, not a large amount but enough to be clearly seen. The main problem of viewing this event is altitude. Essex is not the flattest of counties so trying to find a clear horizon without bumps, trees or houses may not be that easy, plus it will still be daylight. Unfortunately the path of the Moon's orbit only clips the edge of the dark cone of shadow (the Umbra) projected into space from the night side of the Earth resulting in a Partial Eclipse rather than a Total when it is completely immersed. By 8.38pm as the Moon speeds on its journey eastwards this dark segment of shadow will have gone allowing the Moon to return to its usual bright glaring light. Well, almost. There is a much fainter outer shadow around the central Umbra known as the Penumbra. This may or may not be detected as a very slight dimming of the Full Moon's normal light levels until the Moon completely clears this weak shadow by 10pm. Even if our horizon isn't the best we still have a little time to catch some of the dark shadow but the altitude will still be low. Looking at the Moon on the 7th you will probably get the definite impression that it looks a little larger and brighter than usual - well, it is! The Moon has an elliptical monthly orbit around the Earth with its closest approach (Perigee) occurring a few hours after the Partial Eclipse at 3am on the 8th. With a Full Moon and Perigee almost coinciding the Moon does appear bigger and brighter than usual.

Replies


	Partial Lunar Eclipse - Posted on 2006-09-07 20:29:46
fredcbr6uk 1300cc Superstar Joined: Saturday, July 08, 2006 Posts: 513 Location: beccles United Kingdom	got a great view of it from sitting here. nice clear sky too. cool. cheers for mentioning it.

	Partial Lunar Eclipse - Posted on 2006-09-07 20:41:19
rsvar7 1300cc Superstar Joined: Saturday, June 11, 2005 Posts: 862 Location: derbyshire United Kingdom	we cant see it here ...tis all chuffin big chimneys from them thar mills ,

	Partial Lunar Eclipse - Posted on 2006-09-07 21:56:35
Martin 1300cc Superstar Joined: Saturday, November 27, 2004 Posts: 3628 Location: Kent United Kingdom	Glad someone made use of this ... I had intermitant views ... had some cloud here but i'll await my attempts at photos before i complain! I wanted some shots of a decient full moon as well you see ... anyway the clouds were of use re: pictures in some ways ... better get them sent off in the morning! Yes im not using a digital camera if anyone makes the obvious comment ... i like doing things the old way! plus i cant afford new equipment! lol

	Partial Lunar Eclipse - Posted on 2006-09-08 08:10:52
Roeby 1300cc Superstar Joined: Posts: 8884 Location: Derbyshire United Kingdom	damn i missed it i was buying an oil painting lol and forgot

	Partial Lunar Eclipse - Posted on 2006-09-08 08:11:52
suzuki_goddess 1300cc Superstar Joined: Tuesday, March 15, 2005 Posts: 2318 Location: Jersey United Kingdom	sort of saw it but my sister had phoned so was busy chatting as well!

	Partial Lunar Eclipse - Posted on 2006-09-08 18:11:39
The_Reverend 1300cc Superstar Joined: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 Posts: 1078 Location: Coventry: Why? United Kingdom	Saw it, it was a Good'un. Is it just me or was the full moon super bright last night? Made hunting so very much more fun because the prey can see you coming! I like it when they run......... AWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

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