Partial Lunar eclipse heads up, 31/12/09

[jmorgan]

OK, I assume this is the right slot? News maybe or the lounge? Well seeing as this topic seems to be confined here. Dec 31. Early evening, 19:22 gmt ish.

Linky to PDF
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2...

Not got my software working correctly so going off this.

[Eric Mc]

Space topics on PH end up all over the place.

Looks like the weather is going to be rubbish - which is a pity as we had a number of clear nights up to now

Edited by Eric Mc on Tuesday 29th December 09:33

[jmorgan]

Might get some clear sky yet. If the wet stuff stays off then I shall chance it cooling the scope.

[Eric Mc]

Should be underway at the moment. The earth entered the penumbra half an hour ago.

Can't see it in Hampshire due to clouds.

[DieselGriff]

Any idea how long this should take? In South Wales the moon is pretty clear but I can't see any changes as yet.

[FunkyNige]

What time is it greatest? There's a full moon here at the mo..

[Eric Mc]

A - It's only a partial eclipse

B - at the moment, the moon is in the penumbra (initial phase of the earth's shadow) and will only be a tiny bit darker than a normal full moon.
When it goes into the full shadow (the umbra) then it will become much miore noticable. This phase starts at around 18.50.

Being a partial eclipse, the umbra will only cover a part of the moon rather than the full face.

Edited by Eric Mc on Thursday 31st December 18:23

[DieselGriff]

Thanks Eric, starting to notice it now.

[jmorgan]

Bah! Partial cloud cover with tantalising gaps and a great wedge of clear sky. Not in the right combination, shots are blurred to buggery.

Fingers crossed though. Might get something. And see it.

[MartG]

Nice clear view of it from here

[Eric Mc]

Too cloudy here in north Hampshire. Got a glimpse of the moon around 7.00 pm but there wan't much to see at that point.

[FunkyNige]

Thanks for the heads-up Eric, quick snap I took (yes, I should've checked the focus before snapping away!)

[Fort Jefferson]

I've got a fantastic view from here in the Midlands.

[jmorgan]

Got something out of the haze.


Earlier and orientated wrong.

Edited by jmorgan on Thursday 31st December 19:44

[central heating]

Slightly cloudy in Northants