Lunar eclipse tonight

[Tokyo Geoff]

Hi all
For anyone interested there will be a total lunar eclipse tonight. Only those in Brisbane and northwards along the coast will see any of totality but we should all, except WA, see something of the partial phases until 9pm AEDT. Look low to the north east and the first bright thing that pops up in the earth's shadow will be the eclipsed moon. Possibly good car photo opportunity.
Cheers
Geoff

[jamesson1980]

when's it start from Geoff??

[glavas]

the radio said 6.30 and will last for about half a hour

[fou_bleu]

8pm I've heard AESDST (if you can get that! :P)

[galaxy xr8]

Thank's for the head's up.

[DJR-351]

http://www.theage.com.au/national/to...isbanetimes_ft

Total lunar eclipse tonight Bridie Smith
December 21, 2010
.
The moon may appear blood-red during tonight's eclipse.

THE full moon that rises tonight will have something wrong with it - and it's this apparent flaw that has astronomers anticipating a beautiful sight.

As the moon climbs - just before 9pm - it will lack its usual lustre, but in compensation tonight's sky will host a total lunar eclipse, in which a highlighted section at the bottom right of the orb will resemble a snowy polar cap.

''Most of the moon will be shaded when it rises, except for a small part, which will have the sun shining on it,'' Astronomical Society of Victoria spokesman Perry Vlahos, said.

Lunar eclipses are unusual and occur when the Earth gets between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on our nearest celestial neighbour. Tonight, the eclipsed moon will be in Earth's shadow until about 10pm.

Depending on the amount of dust in the Earth's atmosphere, the moon could change in appearance from yellowish brown to blood red during the eclipse. The last time there was a total lunar eclipse visible in Australia was in August 2007 and before that, in July 2000.

Southern Australia will miss the deepest part but the eclipse will be seen by New Zealanders and others further east including the Pacific nations and the Americas.

Mr Vlahos said people wanting to see it should find an unobscured horizon and look to the north-east. Among the best spots will be the flat plains near Moorabbin Airport and Williamstown beach, he said.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Richard Russell said the metropolitan area might experience cloudy conditions tonight, but areas around Geelong and Melbourne Airport could be clear, while areas north of the Divide in Victoria would be ideal.

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch without protective eye wear. Mr Vlahos said the sight would be hard to miss even with the naked eye.

[Falcman0o7]

be nice if i could see it but tassie won't expose the sun often! ( always cloudy so cant even see the moon! ) LOL!

[Mad Maxine]

Too low on the horizon at the moment, can't see anything through the trees!

[Riksta]

Which way is northeast, is that to my right or left?

[fou_bleu]

Originally Posted by Riksta

Which way is northeast, is that to my right or left?

Behind you! :P

[blueluvr]

Given you are looking at your computer screen, and I am looking at mine, and we both are looking at the same site but on opposite sides, northeast is right behind you.....