FIRST TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE OF NEW MILLENNIUM
The first total lunar eclipse of the new millennium visible from Northern Ireland will occur on the evening of Tuesday, 9 January. A total lunar eclipse results whenever the Moon passes completely into the shadow cast by the Earth.
During totality most, but not all, of the Sun's light is blocked by the Earth from reaching the Moon. The Earth's atmosphere acts like a lens and focuses a portion of light onto the Moon. The Moon may take on a deep red or chestnut coloured hue depending on how dusty the atmosphere is.
To see the eclipse you will need to select a site with a clear view of the eastern to south-eastern sky. The partial phase of the eclipse will begin at 6:42 p.m. and end at 9:59 p.m. The total eclipse phase will last from 7:50 p.m. to 8:52 p.m. The next total lunar eclipse occurs on the 16th May 2003 when it is marginally visible just before dawn.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT John McFarland at the Armagh Observatory, tel.: 028-3752-2928.
See also:
Images of the
eclipse from Manchester
Fred Espenak's Pages
Live Webcast from Japan
Eclipse WebCam from Switzerland
Full list of WebCams covering the eclipse
| Last Revised: 2001 January 8th WWW contact: webmaster@star.arm.ac.uk |
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