by Stacy Jo McDermott
| Equipment | Eyes and 7x50 binoculars |
|---|
I arrived at MB around 1830 to find several people there already & set up for the evening's event. It was a hardy group as it was a bit nippy. At this point the eclipse had already began but we had some cloudage in the way during the first part of the earth's shadow hitting La Bella Luna. As the eclipse went further along, the clouds continued to disappear. We knew is was going to be OK when we all started seeing details.
Slowly, the moon started to "glow" as if it were illuminated from within, looking like a Japanese lantern as the eclipse continued on. I was struck by the contrast of colours I was seeing. The pale pinkish orange of the moon set against an indigo sky with a smattering of stars in Pegasus. I immediately thought of a great jewelry pendent to make the event. Around 20:00, the moon was full on orange/red, details of the surface could be made out quite easily and the three dimensional effect of it was "other worldly".
Shortly afterwards, the moon started to emerge from Earth's shadow with the brightening of the eastern limb...now the whole process started to reverse and like driving home, seemed to happen more quickly than when it was going into eclipse.
I had planned on taking photos, but unfortunately, left my film at home and didn't realize it until I was at MB...a severe disappointment in myself and my planning skills! But, the experience of seeing such a lovely, stunning eclipse will stay with me - as well as the fact that Boston won the World Series! Two important events that won't be fading in the annuals of time. Needless to say, the company was again, outstanding and the best element of the event - Lance and his beloved Mary, James, Charlie and his beloved & their 6" refractor! Jeff Crilly, Hugh, & special others whose names are escaping me right now! My extreme apologies luvs!
The next lunar eclipse is in March of 2007. I plan on being prepared for that one! I might even have a digital camera by then LOL...
Posted on sf-bay-tac Oct 28, 2004 10:44:09 PT
Converted by report.pm 1.2 Jan 16, 2005 08:17:43 PT