Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Alerts! Questions? Discussions... => Topic started by: mickw on Dec 29, 2009, 10:54:27

Title: Partial Lunar Eclipse and Blue Moon New Year's Eve
Post by: mickw on Dec 29, 2009, 10:54:27
Eclipses of the moon occur twice a year, on average. Each eclipse is visible only on the half of the Earth turned towards the moon at the time the Earth's shadow falls on the moon.

There will be a partial eclipse of the moon on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. Because of its timing, it will not be visible in North and South America, but will be visible over most of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The event will also mark the second full moon of the month in North America, thereby garnering the title of "blue moon." Unless unusual atmospheric circumstances come into play — such as widespread dust from a volcano — the moon will not be blue, however.

Since it is a partial eclipse, the moon will just brush past the darkest part of the Earth's shadow, never becoming totally immersed. It will, however, be deep enough into the shadow that shading and reddish color should be visible

More  on Space.Com (http://www.space.com/spacewatch/091228-partial-lunar-eclipse.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+spaceheadlines+%28SPACE.com+Headline+Feed%29)

All we'll need is clear skies and clear heads..........................
:lol: :lol: