Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Eclipse

Just in case you haven't heard, we will be treated to a total lunar eclipse tomorrow evening.

Jesse Richuso, writing on the WRAL (a NC based communications company) blog, http://www.wral.com/weather/blogpost/2450283, explains that he is here on Ocracoke this week teaching an astronomy seminar at NCCAT.

This is how he explains the event:

"This is it! The biggest astronomical event of the year: a total lunar eclipse on Wednesday, February 20, 2008.

"The eclipse’s timing is great for east coast skywatchers. The Moon will start to move into the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow at 8:43 p.m. It will slowly be enveloped by the Earth’s shadow until it is totally eclipsed at 10:01 p.m. Totality will last until 10:51 p.m. By 12:09 a.m., it will have moved out of the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow."

So, if you're on the island maybe I'll see you on the beach tomorrow night. It should be spectacular there as long as the clouds stay away. If you are elsewhere on the east coast enjoy the show!

You can read our latest monthly newsletter and try our Ocracoke crossword puzzle by clicking here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021508.htm.

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:28 PM

    Philip, I will be with you in spirit on the beach tomorrow night. In body, I will be leaving work just about the time that it is in full eclipse. Can't wait to see it from the very cold Northeast!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous6:57 AM

    My state park in the North is having a huge celebration. We are building a fire in the old log cabin with hot water for cocoa and tea and coffee to keep up warm and awake. Telescopes from the area will be set up to watch the event. We are inviting families and friends to bundle up and share this evening in my small town!!

    ReplyDelete