Total lunar eclipse and rising sun simultaneously, Wed. morning at 7:11-7:16 am

[PotomacCyclist]

http://news.yahoo.com/total-lunar-eclipse-wednesday-rare-selenelion-132704595.html

“Observers of Wednesday morning’s total lunar eclipse might be able to catch sight of an extremely rare cosmic sight.

On Oct. 8, Interested skywatchers should attempt to see the total eclipse of the moon and the rising sun simultaneously. The little-used name for this effect is called a “selenelion,” a phenomenon that celestial geometry says cannot happen.

And indeed, during a lunar eclipse, the sun and moon are exactly 180 degrees apart in the sky. In a perfect alignment like this (called a “syzygy”), such an observation would seem impossible. But thanks to Earth’s atmosphere, the images of both the sun and moon are apparently lifted above the horizon by atmospheric refraction. This allows people on Earth to see the sun for several extra minutes before it actually has risen and the moon for several extra minutes after it has actually set. [How to See the Total Lunar Eclipse (Visibility Maps)]

As a consequence of this atmospheric trick, for many localities east of the Mississippi River, watchers will have a chance to observe this unusual sight firsthand.”

[ATTACH=CONFIG]6756[/ATTACH]
[Ron Delvaux via The Virtual Telescope Project]

According to the table in the article, sunrise is at 7:11 am, moonset at 7:16 am, this Wednesday. But there’s a 40% chance of rain in the morning, which could mean cloudy skies.

Topic

[baiskeli]

This will make a perfect start to Bike to School Day in Arlington.

[consularrider]

A good omen for Hump Day Coffee Club if it’s not blocked by the clouds.

[PotomacCyclist]

The lunar eclipse begins at 5:15 am, according to Tom Kierein of NBC4, and lasts until 7:16 am. The selenelion will only occur between 7:11 and 7:16. But there’s a greater than 50% chance of rain during those hours, so the lunar eclipse may not be visible at all in this area.

[TinLizzieBikes]

Maybe I’ll actually manage to see it this time! I’m normally too tired to get up at 2am to see the cool stuff. Fingers crossed for no rain!

[Author]

Replies