The Lunar Eclipse
Just a reminder that there will be lunar eclipse tonight. The so-called `blood Moon’ will be visible across Ireland and the United Kingdom (as well as much of the rest of world tonight) although there is rain forecast, and its very overcast as I write this, so it’s possible that all I from Maynooth will see is clouds. That’s a shame as this will be the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century, lasting one hour, 42 minutes and 57 seconds.
Observers in Ireland will not be able to see the start of the eclipse as the moon will still be below the horizon when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon. However, in the Dublin area it will be seen (clouds permitting) from 9.30pm to 10.15pm low in the sky to the South East. Then from 10.15pm to 11.20pm, the moon will be seen coming out of Earth’s shadow. The partial eclipse will last around four hours. Oh, and you should be able to see Mars which will be very bright tonight, down a bit and to the left from the Moon.
The photograph above is of a lunar eclipse taken earlier this year, on 31st January. Lunar eclipses tend to be seen in pairs, like low comedians.
Update:
P.S. It’s worth also giving advanced notice that next year, on March 29th 2019, there will be a total eclipse of the United Kingdom visible from Ireland and all the rest of the world…
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July 27, 2018 at 4:03 pm
Rain forecast over Paris this evening as well…. After weeks of blue sky and scorching heat. Unfair!
July 27, 2018 at 4:06 pm
Last week I went to watch T20 cricket in Cardiff. It hadn’t rained for an entire month there. Just as the game was about to start, it rained…
July 28, 2018 at 6:10 pm
I knew a bloke who was in India during the war. He soaped up and before he could finish washing the monsoon ended.
July 27, 2018 at 10:05 pm
Loved your PS! – How true!