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flywhc2011-06-15 15:53:09

15 June: Total lunar eclipse

On 15 June a total eclipse of the Moon is visible from Australasia, southern Japan, a large area of Asia, India, Africa, Europe and the eastern part of South America. Total lunar eclipses take place when the Moon, Earth and Sun are in line, with the Moon on the opposite side of the Earth from Sun.

The Moon then passes through the shadow of the Earth, dimming dramatically but normally remaining visible as the lunar surface is illuminated by sunlight passing through the Earth's atmosphere. Terrestrial atmospheric conditions determine the appearance of the eclipsed Moon, which ranges from brick red to dark grey.

Across the UK, with the exception of northern Scotland, the Moon rises during the total phase of the eclipse as the Sun sets. Moonrise time varies with location, with observers in London seeing this at 2113 BST (2013 GMT). In Glasgow moonrise on the same evening is not until 2158 BST (2058 GMT).

The total eclipse ends at 2203 BST (2103 GMT), when the Moon begins to leave the darkest part of the Earth's shadow or umbra. By this time it stands only 5 degrees above the south-eastern horizon from London, whilst in Glasgow the whole of the lunar disk will not yet have appeared and from northern Scotland it will not be visible at all.

The Moon then moves into the penumbra, the lighter part of the Earth's shadow and will likely have a yellowish hue. The eclipse comes to an end when the Moon leaves the penumbra at 0002 BST on 16 June (2302 GMT on 15 June).

The Moon's low altitude in the sky during the total phase of the eclipse means that observers will need an excellent horizon and clear skies to see it well, but if it is visible it could be a spectacular opportunity for photographers. And unlike their solar counterparts, lunar eclipses need no special equipment and are perfectly safe to watch with the unaided eye.

HM Nautical Almanac Office eclipse predictions
http://www.eclipse.org.uk

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