Eclipse of the Moon

 

There will be a Lunar Eclipse on Saturday morning, December 10 but you will have to set the alarm clock and rise early. A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the shadow of the earth, the moon will then turn a red or brown colour during the eclipse, The moon will be low in the west for the eclipse and if you live too close to the west side of the valley, the hills may hide the show. If you have a west facing window, you can watch from the comfort and warmth of the house but turn the lights out in the room. I plan on going up to Anarchist summit on Hwy 3 (with a flask of coffee).

When the eclipse begins it will be dark outside but will be full daylight by the end of the eclipse, with the eclipsed moon low on the horizon, this may be a good opportunity for the camera buffs among us and conditions should prove ideal for a great photo. The sun won’t be a problem as it will not rise till the eclipse is over and remember, no eye protection is required for watching the moon. Weather will be a factor, clear sky would be best and thin cloud may be ok but heavy cloud will hide the moon so if cloudy, go back to bed for an hour or two.

The eclipse times are as follows

4.45am                        moon begins entering earth’s shadow

6.06am                        moon fully eclipsed

6,57am                        moon begins to exit earth’s shadow

7.45am                        moon sets before partial eclipse ends

Note:-  the moonset time given is based on a level horizon but we live in a valley so time will be earlier depending on your position in the valley.

Here’s to clear skies for Saturday morning.

Picture supplied by Wikipedia