Moon steals limelight in March eclipseBy ‘Star-Gazer’
The big event this month is the total eclipse of the moon, taking place on Saturday 3rd March. Just after 9:30 pm the full moon will begin to enter the earth’s shadow to its lower left and between then and 10:45 pm the shadow will creep further over its surface until fully immersed. The total phase lasts from 10:45 pm to 12:00 midnight, after which the process reverses and the eclipse ends at 1:11 am in the early morning of Sunday. Unlike total eclipses of the sun, which only last a few minutes, those of the moon are much more leisurely to watch and appreciate. Also there is no danger involved in viewing the moon as it is illuminated by reflected light from the sun and not direct from the sun itself.
Apart from the naked eye, the best way to view the eclipsed moon is through a steadily-held pair of binoculars. Seeing with both eyes a magnified view of the eclipsed lunar globe set against the starry backdrop gives a three-dimensional impression of the moon hanging in space. The moon does not disappear from view during the total phase, due to sunlight refracted by the earth’s atmosphere faintly shining onto its surface. Its residual colour during totality can vary from beautiful coppery orange to dark grey and is dependent upon the condition of the earth’s atmosphere at the time of the eclipse. This will, of course, all be subject to the weather being kind – but keep your fingers crossed and we may just get lucky.
Apart from the moon stealing all the limelight this month, Venus is vying for attention in the western sky after sunset where it is quite unmistakable. About half an hour after the sun has set look almost due west and you cannot fail to see it. However, if you are still having trouble, the waxing crescent moon will be nearby on the 20th/21st March.