Earthshadow Bites the Moon

On the evening of 16 August, the moon will pass into the Earth's shadow. This partial eclipse will be visible from everywhere in Africa. 'Umbral' eclipse (with direct sunlight completely blocked from reaching some part of the moon) will last from 21:36 to 44 minutes after midnight.
The 'Shrinking' Full Moon The full moon of 16 August will be partially 'eclipsed' as it passes through the Earth's shadow, making it look as though part of the moon has disappeared. Maximum eclipse will be at 23:11.
Eclipse Times and the Shadowy Background The Earth's shadow has two parts. In the 'penumbra', direct sunlight is only partially blocked. When the moon enters the penumbra at 20:25, it will begin getting dimmer, but the effect will be impossible to see by eye. At 21:36 the moon will begin to enter the `umbra', the much darker part of the shadow where direct sunlight is completely blocked and only the red glow of the Earth's atmosphere lights the moon.The upper right side of the moon will begin to darken, and it will look as though some of the moon is missing.  The last part of the moon (at upper left) will leave the umbral part of the Earth's shadow at 00:44 (44 minutes after midnight), and the eclipse ends when the moon leaves the penumbra and returns into full sunlight at 01:55.
For further details contact Dave Laney at:
Tel: 021 460-9313 Fax: 021 447-3639 email: cdl(at)saao.ac.za