Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

[sqishy]

For all those interested in astronomy, or skyscapes, there's a penumbral lunar eclipse happening in around 1 hour from me typing this message now.

A penumbral lunar eclipse is when the full moon, opposite the sun from the viewpoint of earth, passes withing the outer partial shadow of earth which blocks some sunlight entering that region. It means that the moon darkens in the partial shadow/penumbra, darker nearer the full shadow than the rest. I could give more info, but the info on these links will give it all:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_2013_lunar_eclipse

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/OHfigures/OH2013-Fig04.pdf

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/OH2013.html#LE2013Oct18N


This eclipse's ID is Saros Series 117, Member 52/72.

The eclipse starts at 21:50:41 UTC (22:50:41 GMT+1 (i.e. normal GMT time zone with daylight savings time)), and ends at 1:49:47 UTC. Mid-eclipse is 23:51:45 UTC, and the eclipse lasts for a total of 3:59:06.
The eclipse will only really be noticeable near the middle of it, making the full moon dimmer.

If you are going to be blocked by clouds (the fuckers -.-), know that you are not alone. My weather practically guarantees seeing nothing. :(

Next eclipse after this is a hybrid solar eclipse, on the 3rd of November. Next lunar eclipse is in 2014, a total one. I'll give info on them when they come.

Thought you'd like to know ^.^

[Miserabilia]

thats pretty kewl

[Luminous]

Awesome! I would love to see a total solar eclipse one day, it has been a dream of mine for a few years. I have no special or unusual interest in astronomy, but there's something about 'the sun going out' that seems really magical and precious. Since I read a YA book about 3 kids meeting because of one a few years ago I wanted to see one. I can't remember the name right now. Something about angels or stars or something. Wait! I'll google.
I found it! Every Soul A Star by Wendy Mass. I read it when it first came out in 2008, from maybe 2009-2011 she was my favorite author, now occasionally for light reading I'll read her books but I'm moving on to much more advanced stuff. Definitely a good read, I'd recommend it even to an adult or teen as light reading.

[Hollywood]

Cool, this is literally the only cloudy day we've had this week...

[Syvelocin]

I literally just left the downtown campus and I felt so energized and refreshed, I had to take a walk to get some of it out before heading home. Then I come home and find out it's the Hunter's Moon tonight. Wow. I can't believe the energy. I didn't see the eclipse; although I don't know if I even knew about it that I'd be able to see it so early in the day.