Lunar Eclipse of the Hart

The second and last total lunar eclipse of 2015 seen from Canada will occur on the night of September 27. Unlike the previous one in April where the west coast and central North America witnessed most of the eclipse, this event will be completely seen from the east. First contact or when the full Harvest Moon begins to slide into the Earth’s shadow occurs at 9:07 p.m. EDT. Mid eclipse will be at 10:47 p.m. EDT with the celestial show ending at 12:37 a.m. EDT. The is also the so-called Super Moon. 2015 09 chart 4

A total lunar eclipse is a very safe and awe inspiring event. During mid eclipse the moon turns copper orange as sunlight refracts through Earth’s atmosphere much like a deep red sunset we witness on Earth. This will be the last of four consecutive total lunar eclipses know as a tetrad. The next total eclipse will be on January 21, 2019.

 

Article courtesy of Gary Boyle

“The Backyard Astronomer”

 

Past President, Ottawa CentreRoyal Astronomical Society of Canada

 

www.wondersofastronomy.com