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Total Eclipse of the Moon
• "Most Spectacular Eclipse for Years" forecast for UK this weekend 3rd March 2007
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By
Miss Tek-EE, Science correspondent
Friday,
2 March, 2007
For the first time since 2004 there will be a total eclipse of the Moon by the Earth visible from the UK. Experts say it could be the most spectacular eclipse for years as there have been no major volcanic eruptions in recent years to cast dust particles into the upper atmosphere.
The moon will first enter a band called the penumbra just after 8.18p.m. but the dimming will be very slight until after 9.30p.m. when the moon starts to enter the dark central region of the Earth’s shadow.
By 10.45p.m. the moon will be covered and this total eclipse lasts until nearly 11.58pm. It will then appear to glide free of the central shadow, leaving completely just after 1.11am on Sunday. It then drifts through the penumbra again, leaving just before 2.24a.m.
In many locations the totality sees the moon turn blood red but the appearance will vary according to how much dust is in our upper atmosphere. As there has not been a major volcanic eruption for some years the chances of a blood red moon and good visibility are high. However viewers in large cities like London may also find their view diluted by light pollution and may need to move to higher open ground for the best view.
Robin Scagell, Vice President of the Society for Popular Astronomy, said: “This will be one of the best lunar eclipses for Britain for years. If the clouds stay away, it will be fascinating to watch the moon’s graceful movement through the shadow of the Earth and check its coppery glow.”
You can download a leaflet on this Saturday's total lunar eclipse (3rd March 2007) at http://www.southdublinastronomy.org/w/images/5/56/Total_Eclipse_of_the_Moon.pdf
Other online resources include a .pdf star chart from www.skymaps.com, a podcast from Jodrell Bank Observatory in the uk at www.jodcast.net. Predictions for your location for Space Station passes can be generated at www.heaven-above.com
OntheLam 2007
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