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Lunar Eclipse
November 8, 2003, 4:30pm
Cattle Point in Oak Bay
 Victoria Centre held a Lunar Eclipse public event at Cattle Point
municipal park, which has a very nice easterly view over the Strait of
Georgia. While we were waiting for the moon to rise, we were awestruck by a
plume of black smoke appearing from Mount Baker - likely a small eruption
from this not-so-extinct volcano just south of the Canada-US border!
The eclipse was finally spotted at about 5:05pm. For us here on the West
Coast, the Moon rose while it was in Total eclipse, 2nd contact. Totality
lasted some 25 minutes before the Moon's western limb left the umbra. When
first spotted, the eclipsed
 Moon appeared as a pinkish crescent peeking
through the clouds and pollution of Vancouver, however it quickly took shape
and assumed the more traditional coppery-red colour as it climbed into clear
sky. The partial eclipse through 4th Contact entertained some 500 spectators
and dozen RASC volunteers over the next couple of hours, as we watched the
penumbra progress. The event was well attended by the media. Everyone
wrapped up around 8pm, after some final glimpses of Mars.
All in all, a very successful public viewing event.
From: Eric Schandall
Sent: November 8, 2003 8:46 PM
Subject: Eclipse
Hi Everybody,
Here are a few photos of the lunar eclipse tonight. It was reasonably clear
though some high clouds drifted across from time to time. There was a strong
breeze which made it impossible to get any better resolution. They are just
mementos. It was beautiful in any case.
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The telescope is the Ceravolo 5.75 " Maksotov Newtonian, 35 mm panoptic
eyepiece, the camera is a Canon G2, and the focal length was F2.5. The lack
of clarity is also caused by the air circulation units on the roof, from
vibration and blowing air. I do not have any specs for those, other than
that they are big.
Take care,
Eric
Technical Info - diagrams,
photos - how to observe and photograph this phenomena - by David Lee &
Brenda Stuart.
Press Release - RASC
Victoria Centre special event Nov
8th, 2003 at 4:30pm being held at Cattle Point, Oak Bay.
More observing tips from Geoff Gaherty, RASC Toronto
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