Friday, August 24, 2007

Lunar Eclipse on August 28

A total eclipse of the Moon occurs during the early morning of Tuesday, August 28, 2007. The event is widely visible from the United States and Canada as well as South America, the Pacific Ocean, western Asia and Australia. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon's disk can take on a dramatically colorful appearance from bright orange to blood red to dark brown and (rarely) very dark gray.

An eclipse of the Moon can only take place at Full Moon, and only if the Moon passes through some portion of Earth's shadow. The shadow is actually composed of two cone-shaped parts, one nested inside the other. The outer shadow or penumbra is a zone where Earth blocks some (but not all) of the Sun's rays. In contrast, the inner shadow or umbra is a region where Earth blocks all direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.

If only part of the Moon passes through the umbra, a partial eclipse is seen. However, if the entire Moon passes through the umbral shadow, then a total eclipse of the Moon occurs.

Partial Eclipse Begins: 04:51 am
Total Eclipse Begins: 05:52 am
Mid-Eclipse: 06:37 am
Total Eclipse Ends: 07:22 am
Partial Eclipse Ends: 08:24 am

Visibility of the Total Lunar Eclipse
Map showing the global visibility of the Total Lunar Eclipse

For people in Ontario, the Moon sets while it is in total eclipse.
Anyway, we'll be able to see the first half of the eclipse.
I hope the weather will be good, so I can watch it clearly!! (^o^)

Source:
NASA
Space.com
Discovery Channel

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