If weather allows, see full eclipse of moon for last time until 2010

from Baltimoresun.com
By Frank D. Roylance | Sun reporter
February 20, 2008

Stargazers are worried about the weather forecast, but if the clouds part in time, Marylanders will get a good look at tonight's total eclipse of the moon - the last one visible here or anywhere until December 2010.

"Baltimore has experienced bad weather for the last few lunar eclipses," said Herman Heyn, Baltimore's original "Streetcorner Astronomer." Both of last year's eclipses were clouded-out here, but if the heavens are visible, Heyn plans to set up at 9 o'clock tonight in the 3100 block of St. Paul St. in Charles Village.

Forecasters were predicting rain or snow before 9 p.m., then partly cloudy skies - perhaps enough to let the moon shine through. Eclipse watchers will have to cross their fingers.

"Astronomers have to be cool about this 'weather-permitting' thing," Heyn said. "Sometimes it seems, as often as not, we're disappointed by the weather, especially around here. Once in a while, we get a break that wasn't predicted."

Behind the clouds or not, at 8:43 p.m., the full moon will begin to slide into the Earth's umbra - the darkest part of the shadow that the planet casts into space.

Gradually, from east to west, the moon's normally brilliant white disk will darken to an eerie reddish or coppery color as sunlight, filtered through all of Earth's sunsets and sunrises, is bent and scattered across the lunar surface.

From 10 p.m. until 10:52 p.m., the moon will be engulfed in the Earth's shadow. It will seem transformed - from the flat-looking white disk we're used to into something unsettlingly ruddy and spherical.

The eclipse will be visible simultaneously throughout the Americas and in Africa, Europe and Central Asia.

After the period of totality ends, the lunar disk will begin to emerge again from the Earth's shadow, becoming fully illuminated again by 12:09 a.m.

If the weather cooperates, this would be the first total eclipse of the moon visible in Maryland - from start to finish - since Oct. 28, 2004. (Last year's were cut short by moonrise or moonset; there were none in 2005 or 2006.) The next one visible here in its entirety wouldn't be until Dec. 21, 2010.

Unlike solar eclipses - which require solar filters or other devices to protect the eyes from the sun's direct rays - lunar eclipses involve only reflected sunlight. They are safe to watch with the naked eye. Binoculars and telescopes are even better.

You can catch the entire spectacle anywhere the moon is visible, but a number of local amateur astronomy groups and observatories are planning public events. They will offer opportunities to see the eclipse, plus a bonus look at Saturn and its rings, through a telescope.

"Saturn will be hovering just a few degrees from the moon, making it unusually easy to spot," Heyn said. "Viewed from Earth, the tilt of the rings varies. ... While their tilt is currently only one-third their maximum, they remain an exciting sight."

Saturn will be the "star" just below the moon, to the left. The true star above the moon is Regulus in the constellation Leo.

The science department at Howard Community College is teaming up with the Howard Astronomical League for a viewing between 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Meet on the roof of the HCC parking garage, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. For weather updates, visit howardastro.org/eclipse/htm or call 410-772-4891.

A viewing in downtown Baltimore starts at 8 p.m. at the Crosby Ramsey Memorial Observatory at the Maryland Science Center. Visitors can look through any of several telescopes and ask questions of staffers.

"It will be a nice opportunity to catch Saturn in the telescope," said Jim O'Leary, director of the science center's Davis Planetarium. "The rings always bring oohs and aahs from visitors."

"We'll make every effort to be here if there's any chance of a break in the clouds," he said. Call 410-545-2999 after 7 p.m. for weather updates.

The public also is invited to the Maryland Space Grant Observatory on the fourth floor of the Bloomberg Center for Physics and Astronomy at the Johns Hopkins University.

The observatory will be open at 8:30 p.m., if weather permits. Call 410-516-6525 after 5 p.m. for weather updates. For directions, visit www.pha.jhu.edu/~camer cha/openhouse.htm.

frank.roylance@baltsun.com
> Read Frank Roylance's blog on MarylandWeather.com

Mach said:

you saved my thread!

jami0mckay said:

TY for posting it

Mach said:

cool

During a lunar eclipse, the earth blocks out the rays of the sun which normally cause us to say that the moon is shining. The darkening of the usually bright moon is due to Earth's shadow covering it. The sun, earth and moon are aligned in such a straight path that only the rays of light coming from the sun that make it past the earth get to shine on the moon's surface. These are filtered through our atmosphere which is full of tiny bits of matter. As in the case of a beautiful red sunset, it is because of this pollution that we may see the light, which is bounced back to our eyes by the particles, as red.

During a lunar eclipse, people familiar or not with the facts of astronomy and optics, tend to say that the moon has "turned red."

According to Tibetan Buddhist practice, effects of actions are multiplied by a factor of 1,000 during a lunar eclipse.

In many traditions when the moon is eclipsed entirely, that is, it is not visible at all, it may be believed that the moon has been swallowed up by some mythological creature. The Maya of central America believed it was a jaguar and that it could descend to earth to devour people, too.

In the Chinese tradition, there is a Three-legged Toad who lives in the moon. (Its digits stand for the three lunar phases.) During a lunar eclipse, people may say that it has swallowed the moon.

The Buriats and southern Slavs used to pray and yell, drum, throw stones and shoot in an attempt to drive away an encroaching demon.

In many parts of the world, a dragon or naga is thought to be responsible for this event which is generally thought of as a bad omen. The Mongols know him as Alkha.

Ancient Egypt
Egyptian mythology attributes an eclipse of the moon to Seth's having stolen the Moon Eye of Horus. Thoth, god of learning and mathematics, searched in the darkness and restored it to its place in the heavens, thus becoming a lunar deity himself.

Two weeks or so before a solar eclipse, the priests of Ra, the sun deity, would admonish the people of Egypt saying that they were sinners. People would then contribute to the temples and offer sacrifices in hopes of appeasing Ra, but of course, their devotion was not rewarded. During the unsettling moments of the eclipse, people would redouble their efforts and then see that the priests were true links to the will of Ra as generosity and obedience were rewarded with the re-emergence of light.

Eclipses were often associated with outbreaks of illness. There was a widespread fear, also, that the earth itself could get sick and die. In Babylon, the priest would bathe the King [source of fertility and all good] in a preparation of cedar oil and myrrh in hopes of preventing this greatest of catastrophes.

Mach said:

interesting stuff



I vaguely remember Columbus being saved by a lunar eclipse?? will have a look in google

About the Lunar Eclipse on February 20th, 2008
As noted above, a Lunar eclipse is an especially potent lunation, in this case a potent Full Moon. Lunar eclipses are relationship-oriented. The "crisis" that these eclipses tend to elicit is a crisis of lack--a time when we suddenly realize a great need or want. The impact of the crisis can act to sever a relationship--it's possible. But it can also bring two people together with a sudden awareness of a great need for each other. Although Lunar eclipses are more relationship-oriented than Solar eclipses, they are not always about relationships between two people. They can trigger awareness of need in other areas of our lives, such as our relationship to work, to our health and bodies, and so forth. This is a time when matters come to light--things that have been brewing under the surface.

When a Full Moon occurs, we can suddenly burst forth with proclamations and outpours that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not yet rationalized. A Lunar eclipse is a more potent Full Moon, and its effects tend to last longer. Many astrologers believe that the effects of a Lunar eclipse last approximately six months.

The Lunar eclipse on February 20th, 2008, occurs when the Moon is at approximately 2 degrees of Virgo, opposing the Sun at 2 degrees Pisces, and is a Total Lunar Eclipse.

Lunar Eclipses are about relationships and polarities. With the Virgo-Pisces service axis involved, this Lunar Eclipse presses us to look more closely at our needs, lacks, and wants in our lives. We are pushed to find a balance between day-to-day functions and routines, physical health, and the need for order (Virgo) and vision, spiritual health, disorder, and the infinite (Pisces). Virgo rules the tools and techniques that we use to deal with day-to-day life, while Pisces rules the tools that we use to deal with our spiritual selves. This energy pits realism against idealism. Some sort of crisis (which can be a crisis of consciousness) or sudden awareness of a lack in our lives provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs within the context of the house polarity where the eclipse occurs in our natal charts. Relationships may be challenged, broken, or strengthened dramatically at this time. Our discovery is emotionally charged and dramatic. Epiphanies are likely at this time as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can propel us into positive action. With Saturn and Pluto involved, events or epiphanies are likely very practical and productive. They could feel burdensome, as increased responsibilities come to light.

Full Moons and Lunar Eclipses bring issues in our lives to fulfillment. Our emotions are heightened, and there is often some sort of drama involved with the house, sign, and any contacted planets activated by the Full Moon. Look to 1 degree 53 of Virgo in your own chart. This Lunar Eclipse gives us a cosmic push to make needed changes in our lives. The areas of life activated by the eclipse may see dramatic turns, after which the path is clear to move forward. Note that whatever "happens" at this time is nothing truly new. The issues have been brewing inside of us, and emotions have been building. Something comes to light at the time of the Full Moon, and if we get in touch with our emotions, we can get a better idea of what needs to change, or what needs to go.

This Lunar Eclipse in Virgo is bound to thrust us into a state of heightened awareness of flaws in a certain system in our lives. With Virgo, we are acutely aware of imperfections. We see the flaws around us and perhaps become very tense and irritable, or we work hard at fixing them. With the health and service axis (Pisces-Virgo) involved, health or work issues may come to the fore. As well, the ability to set boundaries to the amount of service we render can become a major issue. For some, a new "calling" will surface in the coming six months. A new line of work that better matches our inner nature, desire to serve, or emotional make-up may unfold in the months following this eclipse, particularly if the natal Sun, sixth/twelfth houses, or tenth house is activated. Decisions made now are emotionally-driven.

On February 20, 1989, a Lunar Eclipse fell in Virgo at a similar degree as the one in February 2008. It might be helpful to think back to issues in your life that were in effect in the first half of 1989 (if you can remember back that far) in order to get an idea of how this 2008 Lunar Eclipse affects you.

If this Lunar eclipse conjuncts a planet in your chart, you may feel its intensity more than others. If it conjuncts your Sun, for example, it can act like a charge of energy. The desire --or necessity-- to turn over a new leaf is strong.

Possible issues for the eclipse's transit to natal houses: In the first, it may be time to change your image or redefine your personality in some manner. Finding a balance between autonomy and dependence is what this eclipse is about for you. Your emotions are on your sleeve right now. It is a good time to put your needs first, but doing so with respect for others will take you further. Whether you can succeed as a leader is "tested" right now. In the second, you may get a cosmic push to make necessary financial changes in your life. Sharing issues come into focus, as do issues of power--what's yours and what's mine. Your comfort zones matter, and now is the time to take care of your own needs without eclipsing the needs of others. In the third house, there may be some sort of drama surrounding communication, modes of transportation, mobility, neighbors, or siblings. In the fourth, domestic conditions are illuminated. House repairs, family dramas, and other such issues need serious attention. The demands of your personal life are now paramount. Striking a balance between energy spent on work and energy spent on domestic matters is essential now. Balanced attention to your public and personal lives is what you need to focus on. It's time to prioritize. In the fifth, a romantic affair may be tested. If love is true, there's nothing to fear. The demands of your larger goals in life may have been eclipsing your pleasure-seeking activities. Also possible, your children may be going through their own changes and "stages", and need more attention now. In the sixth, there could be changes necessary in your job or health routines. You can use this surge of emotional energy to make positive changes to your routines. Do something to improve your work conditions if they are annoying you. Get going on your exercise or nutrition program that you know you have to do in order to feel more balanced.

In the seventh house, partnerships may be tested, but there is nothing to fear if the relationship is strong. The seventh house represents an important one-to-one relationship--a marriage partner, significant other, business partner, or an adversary. It's time to strike a balance between your own needs and those of another. It's time to compromise and negotiate. In the eighth, some drama with regards to a spouse's income, or your taxes and investments may occur on a mundane level. It may be time to settle some of your debts, financial or otherwise. What makes you feel comfortable and secure needs to be balanced with attention to other people's needs and comfort levels. In the ninth, your personal beliefs may be tested. Your hunger for adventure or learning may come into focus. All of the attention you've been giving to mundane affairs has you wondering when you're going to have some fun. You want to take a leap of faith now. In the tenth, you may need to review and change your career goals. Career matters come to a head. You're called to perform, perhaps on a moment's notice, and it's best to keep your cool and do whatever you can to show your competence. In the eleventh, friendships may be tested, or your relationship to groups or organizations. You're looking for validation from friends and group activities now. In the twelfth, you may recognize an overwhelming need for rest and spiritual renewal. You've been busy with all sorts of everyday activities, deeply involved in your work and routines. It's time to balance your life with some down time--otherwise, you simply don't feel whole.

Stuff of myth

The refracted light is red. If it were possible to look back at the Earth during a lunar eclipse then the rim of the Earth would appear a glowing red.

This colour effect is the stuff of myth and legend. An account in 331 BC said: "...all her light was sullied and suffused with the hue of blood."

Some ancients called it "the time of the blood of the Great Mother's wisdom", linking the Moon's colour with menstruation. This was a natural thing to do given the link between the length of the month and human fertility.

In 1503, Christopher Columbus, stranded in the Caribbean, used a lunar eclipse he knew would take place to impress the natives and secure respect and fear, as well as a regular supply of food.

This was a great way to start my day - again TY

So this is tonight? I will take my camera to work and take a few pics.

I'm all over this!!

I got the heads up two weeks ago!!

DexMSR said:

will you have pics?

I'll try to do pix tonight @ Jessica's soccer game - it is overcast at this time though

Mach said:

yeah the forecast doesn't look too promising but you never know!

cool hope they turn out ok, oh and that Jessica wins!

Mach said:

It is here too..we have had 2 weeks of beautiful clear skies and then today it is overcast.

jami0mckay said:

Jessica is always a winner

when I grow up I want to be so much like her

Mach said:

shanti0608 said:

May the sunshine return asap

jami0mckay said:

If I can find it.....

I'm watching this right now!

I thought I was gonna miss it cause it's sooooo dman cold outside and I wasn't about to go out in it, but I can see it right from my window.

It is occurring now in Michigan over the Lake Huron in a clear sky with one bright star just to the left and below the Moon ~ just stunning and very humbling. Thank you for all of the information to those who posted.

Front row seat out my living room window. Beautiful!

EEE I can see it from right off my front porch but I came back in after 25 minutes cause I'm froze. Very clear out tonight in my area. Happy viewing everybody.

I hope it comes back!
[Edited 2/20/08 19:07pm]

I'm watching it now, too! Beautifully clear skies here in Detroit, but the temperature right now is 13F!! BURR! Fortunately, I can see it right from my home office.

Moon's got that red glow! And nice to see Saturn, too!

I just went out there to check it out, there's lots of clouds but I can still see it pretty good