+Fier Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 As all of us rely on satellites for our GPSrs to work, it would be in our nature to think about interesting events that occur in near outer space. If anybody is interested, there is a total Lunar eclipse on Thursday morning. The next one visible from South Africa is in 7 years. Just copying the summary from the planetarium website (http://www.planetarium.co.za/LunarEclipse2008Feb.html) early morning Thu 21 Feb starts 3:42am ends 7:08am (after moonset) The eclipse is total from 5:00am to 5:50am. All of South Africa will see the start of the eclipse. Durban will miss the last few minutes of totality. Only western South Africa will see the Moon start to move out of the eclipse. The Moon sets before the end of the eclipse (for all of South Africa). So, at 5:30, look at the moon in the west (and then go back to sleep if you can.) Note that the moon will be setting while the sun is rising, so when the moon is about to touch the horizon, look east and you'll see the first rays of the sun (in theory, anyway) Quote Link to comment
+anlufu Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Thanks for the info. Have set the alarm. We'll be looking out for it. Quote Link to comment
+Nish4 Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 (edited) Hope we don't have a lot of cloud cover as we had this morning. Edited February 20, 2008 by Nish4 Quote Link to comment
+cownchicken Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Had a look at 5 (our normal get up time) but the eclipse didn't seem to be total yet. Never the less it is quite eerie and well worth the worth the time taken to view it. Will watch it till daylight. Thanks for informing us about it Fier. Quote Link to comment
+RedGlobe Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 No visibility, had heavy cloud cover. eish Quote Link to comment
+Wazat Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Bah, woke up late.... Too tired but there seemed to be too much cloud anyway. Quote Link to comment
+anlufu Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Saw the begining of it and then the mist set in.. Quote Link to comment
+Tricky Vicky & Mickey Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Just mist and more mist .........................! Quote Link to comment
+the pooks Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Started cycling from the bottom of Paarl Mountain with a few others at 04h30 this morning to be on the top at 05h00. Moon was red and it was suitably dark. It was a good feeling to punctuate an important stellar event with a somewhat unusual personal event. Pity my camera is in for repairs or I would add a photo. Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.