Science Q & A
Q. Is it true that the next lunar eclipse isn't for two years?
Rachael Federico
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Sci/Tech
A. I hope you had the opportunity to see the lunar eclipse last week, because it is indeed the last one for about two years; the next one will occur on December 21, 2010. The eclipses are part of a long, though predictable, lunar cycle. Currently, we happen to be in a part of the cycle with longer time elapses inbetween each eclipse.
The moon revolves around the Earth, but it does not orbit in the same plane as the Earth and the sun. However, that means that twice per month (about every 14 days) the moon crosses through that plane. In the somewhat rare event that the moon, Earth, and sun are directly aligned (called a syzygy), an eclipse occurs. In short, the Earth's shadow is cast over the moon. Ordinarily, we would see a full moon in this position, but because the moon is in the range of the Earth's umbra, or shadow, it is temporarily hidden. The total eclipse is relatively short (up to an hour and a half) as the moon continues its revolution. The complete event, beginning when the first bit of the shadow appears, lasts a bit longer-generally a little over three hours.
There are also partial lunar eclipses between now and the next total lunar eclipse, mind you; though, they are not really that exciting. The next partial eclipse is August 16th of this year. There are also penumbral eclipses. The difference between a partial eclipse and a penumbral eclipse has to do with the angle of the moon from the Earth's umbra. If the moon moves partially through the umbra and partially through the penumbra, it is a partial eclipse. If the moon moves completely through the penumbra, then it is a penumbral eclipse.
Not to rub it in if you missed the last lunar eclipse, but the sky was clear and crisp (in spite of cloudy weather predictions). The observatory in Olin was open for a while in the evening, so those in attendance had the opportunity to take a closer look at Saturn, Mars, a galaxy, and the moon. If you are interested in attending one of the monthly open observatory evenings in the future, you can look on the department's website. Astronomy Professor Francis Wilkin is rather good at answering questions, so I highly recommend writing down a few inquiries if you plan on attending.
The moon revolves around the Earth, but it does not orbit in the same plane as the Earth and the sun. However, that means that twice per month (about every 14 days) the moon crosses through that plane. In the somewhat rare event that the moon, Earth, and sun are directly aligned (called a syzygy), an eclipse occurs. In short, the Earth's shadow is cast over the moon. Ordinarily, we would see a full moon in this position, but because the moon is in the range of the Earth's umbra, or shadow, it is temporarily hidden. The total eclipse is relatively short (up to an hour and a half) as the moon continues its revolution. The complete event, beginning when the first bit of the shadow appears, lasts a bit longer-generally a little over three hours.
There are also partial lunar eclipses between now and the next total lunar eclipse, mind you; though, they are not really that exciting. The next partial eclipse is August 16th of this year. There are also penumbral eclipses. The difference between a partial eclipse and a penumbral eclipse has to do with the angle of the moon from the Earth's umbra. If the moon moves partially through the umbra and partially through the penumbra, it is a partial eclipse. If the moon moves completely through the penumbra, then it is a penumbral eclipse.
Not to rub it in if you missed the last lunar eclipse, but the sky was clear and crisp (in spite of cloudy weather predictions). The observatory in Olin was open for a while in the evening, so those in attendance had the opportunity to take a closer look at Saturn, Mars, a galaxy, and the moon. If you are interested in attending one of the monthly open observatory evenings in the future, you can look on the department's website. Astronomy Professor Francis Wilkin is rather good at answering questions, so I highly recommend writing down a few inquiries if you plan on attending.
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