Lunar Eclipse
Last night marked the first full Lunar Eclipse in about 4 years.
I saw the partial eclipse a year or two ago - and while impressive, it really only looked like something you see any old night of the week - it had the appearance of a half Moon, or quarter-Moon.. that ‘banana’ effect over a white Moon.
Last night’s full eclipse was far more spectacular.
The shadow of the Earth began covering the Moon just after 6pm. The transformation took well over an hour from shadow to complete eclipse. Incredibly, as the shadow passes over the Moon, it gives off a red hue, the Moon appearing a deep orange-red.. almost earthen colour. It’s like staring right at planet Mars (which has suddenly gotten so much closer to Earth).
Truly an incredible sight. And this was no brief encounter either - the ‘red’ phase lasting close to two hours before it all peeled away, the shadow began passing and the Moon returned to its full, bright, white, normal self.
It was yet another time when I truly missed my camera! (Though thinking about it, I’m not sure my measly 200mm lens would have done it terribly great justice anyway).
Luckily, Smurfn was on deck, armed with his lovely big Canon 100-400L lens which did justice to a truly awesome event.
Check his photos out on his Flickr, HERE.
