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Total Eclipse of the Moon February 21st 2008 This eclipse will take place with the Moon in Leo. The entire eclipse will be visible from Orkney, weather permitting of course. The Moon throughout the eclipse will lie between Saturn and the bright star Regulus, passing from west to east. The rapid motion of the Moon will be very apparent. This eclipse occurs in the early hours of the 21st February making it less convenient for most people than was the eclipse last March 03. (Note the Moon was also in Leo for that eclipse.) The circumstances for the forthcoming lunar eclipse are given for Kirkwall: Data for Kirkwall is as follows:
Altitude of the Moon The altitude of the Moon will be:
Sun rises at 7h 33m UT Civil twilight commences 06:51:00 The entire eclipse will therefore take place in a dark sky. Those intending to photograph the event should use full zoom with the camera firmly mounted on a tripod or other suitable base. The exposure will vary according to conditions. Use a cable release or remote control activation of the shutter to avoid camera shake. Experiment with the Moon on previous nights if possible. A full moon outside eclipse is very bright. Apertures of f/2.8 may require speeds in excess of 1/1000 second. If this is not possible use a low ISO setting. The appearance of the Moon close to mid-eclipse cannot be predicted neither in terms of brightness or colour. Expect to use exposures as long as 1/10 second or longer. Examine your images as you proceed and adjust exposure times accordingly. The next total lunar eclipse visible in its entirety from Orkney will take place on September 28th 2015. |
Updated: Feb 7, 2008
The purpose of these notes is to give information on astronomical and related topics for those living in the high latitudes of the British Isles. The national daily newspapers mostly cater for the mainland south of the Great Glen. Whereas the aurora (Merry Dancers) may be a relatively common occurrence for those of us living in Caithness, Sutherland the Northern Isles, folk in England and Wales are fortunate to see sign of them for years on end. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, all risings and setting and other times are for the location of Kirkwall, Longitude: 2º 59 W (11m 54 s), Latitude: +59º 09’.  |
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Comet 17P/Holmes Comet Holmes is still just visible in small binoculars (8x30) as a faint patch of light a little to the left of the variable star Algol (beta Persei). The coma is a little over 1 arc degree in width or a little over twice the diameter of a full moon. It is essential in order to observe the comet to have a dark sky free from twilight, moonlight or artificial light. [Therefore, local observers, keep clear of the Rousay School with its new exterior lighting system that can only be described as diabolical (Fig. 3)] The Moon will come into prominence again by February 12. A full report on Comet Holmes will appear in late March. JV 07/02/08 |
