ASTRONOMY UPDATE (06 December 2011)

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Dennis Mammana

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Dec 6, 2011, 2:50:44 PM12/6/11

to Dennis Mammana

On Saturday morning, sky watchers across the western half of North America will be treated to lunar eclipse--weather permitting, of course. Watch it from your backyard, or join me for a fun overnight campout in the Anza-Borrego Desert!

1) Total lunar eclipse (10 December 2011)

2) Total lunar eclipse desert campout (09/10 December 2011)

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1) Total lunar eclipse (10 December 2011)

Around 4:45 a.m. PST (6:45 a.m. CST), the moon’s eastern edge will enter the Earth’s dark inner shadow (the umbra). Sky watchers across the Midwest will see the moon set as the Earth’s shadow makes its way across the moon’s face. As the light of dawn advances over the West Coast of North America, the moon will dim in the advancing shadow of our planet until around 6:06 a.m. PST when the moon becomes totally eclipsed.

During totality, the moon may take on strange coppery hue and, for viewers under a clear dark sky, will appear to hang beautifully in the deep blue twilight to the west. And around it will shine the brilliant stars of the wintertime sky.

From the U.S. West Coast, the approximate times for the sky show are as follows:

Partial eclipse phase begins: 4:45 a.m. PST

Astronomical twilight begins: 5:09 a.m. PST

Nautical twilight begins: 5:39 a.m. PST

Total eclipse begins: 6:06 a.m. PST

Civil twilight begins: 6:10 a.m. PST

Mid-eclipse: 6:31 a.m. PST

Sunrise: 6:37 a.m. PST

Moonset: 6:40 a.m. PST

Unlike an eclipse of the sun, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to view without protective filters. All you need is your eyes, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may find viewing through them to be even more enjoyable. To discover if anyone in your area might be hosting a free lunar-eclipse viewing party check with your local planetarium, college or amateur astronomy club. And to learn more about photographing the eclipse, visit: http://www.mreclipse.com/LEphoto/LEphoto.html

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2) Total lunar eclipse desert campout (09/10 December 2011)

A glorious full moon, a toasty campfire, delicious chuckwagon cooking and lots of fun people... what a way to spend a night in the desert. Add telescope viewing and beautiful total lunar eclipse and it just doesn't get any better! Be sure to join me for a fantastic time… all you need to bring is warm clothing and a sense of adventure! Only a day or so remain to reserve your space: http://www.californiaoverland.com/Lunar_popup.html

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