2008 Woodie Awards
This week in the sky
Feb. 11 - Feb. 25
Ben Brown-Steiner
Issue date: 2/18/08 Section: Features
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The next total lunar eclipse will not occur until December of 2010. While there will be another eclipse this year, it will only be a partial. There is no excuse not to step outside and take a look at the moon!
A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the shadow of the earth. Subsequently, the moon is always full during a lunar eclipse. The moon is always a new moon during a solar eclipse.
During a lunar eclipse, the earth casts two types of shadows through which the moon travels. The inner shadow is called the umbra (Latin for "shadow"). The earth completely blocks out the light from the sun. It is called a total lunar eclipse when the moon completely enters this inner shadow. When only a part of the moon passes through the umbra, it is called a partial lunar eclipse.
The outer shadow is called the penumbra ("partial shadow"). The sunlight is only partially blocked by the earth. There is very little affect on the appearance of the moon, when it travels through this.
The diagram (to the right) shows the exact times in which the moon will be passing through the umbra and penumbra. It will first touch the umbra at 8:42 p.m., and will be partially eclipsed until 10:01 p.m. From here, it will be in total lunar eclipse until 10:51 p.m. It will then be in partial eclipse again until 12:09 a.m..
A lunar eclipse isn't as dramatic as a solar eclipse. The moon doesn't block the sun, darkening the sky; instead it creates a fantastic, ruby red moon. If you miss the eclipse, or if it's too cloudy to see anything, you're sure to catch pictures of the eclipse during the following days.
Finally, this Wednesday night, the Clarkson Stargazers will be out at the observatory on Hatch Road with telescopes, binoculars, hot chocolate and presentations. For those who are unfamiliar with the site: head up Route 11B and turn left just before the Potsdam airport. Some rides will be available at 7:30 p.m. in front of Cheel. General stargazing goes from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Dress warm, whether you're coming for all or part of the night. After all, this is Potsdam we're talking about. We will observe the eclipse and wrap things up around 11:00 p.m. For more information, email stargazers@clarkson.edu. Look up in the sky between 10:01 p.m. and 10:51 p.m., at the very least!
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