During the early morning hours (US time zones) of 2005 APR 24 a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse will occur. The penumbra is the gray outer portion of the Earth's shadow. Anyone standing on the Moon within the penumbra would see the Sun partially occulted by the Earth.
During this month's event the Full Moon will come fairly close to the umbra, the dark portion of the shadow in which the Sun would appear totally occulted by the Earth. At mid-eclipse, observers should notice a moderate darkening toward one edge of the Moon. Your photos would be welcome additions to this thread.
I have created a graphic previewing three stages of the eclipse. It is customized for Chicago (especially the Moon's altitudes) but should well serve all observers experiencing nighttime. To see it, click:
http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
Then click the small blue button for "Penumbral Lunar Eclipse".
The graphic may be removed soon after April 24.
During this month's event the Full Moon will come fairly close to the umbra, the dark portion of the shadow in which the Sun would appear totally occulted by the Earth. At mid-eclipse, observers should notice a moderate darkening toward one edge of the Moon. Your photos would be welcome additions to this thread.
I have created a graphic previewing three stages of the eclipse. It is customized for Chicago (especially the Moon's altitudes) but should well serve all observers experiencing nighttime. To see it, click:
http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
Then click the small blue button for "Penumbral Lunar Eclipse".
The graphic may be removed soon after April 24.
For astronomical graphics, including
monthly wallpaper calendar, visit:
CurtRenz.com/astronomical
Curt Renz
