8 replies to this topic

[TheWatcher]

Eclipses are a bit anticlimactic. Some social diversion or alternate targets can break up the event and allow you to refocus periodically and notice changes. What occultations or otherwise washed out targets will be on your observing plan tomorrow?

[David Knisely]

Eclipses are a bit anticlimactic. Some social diversion or alternate targets can break up the event and allow you to refocus periodically and notice changes. What occultations or otherwise washed out targets will be on your observing plan tomorrow?

I enjoy watching a total lunar eclipse, as they last for quite a while and don't require extensive travel or positioning in order to view.  Indeed, we are opening Hyde Memorial Observatory in Lincoln, Nebraska for the public to view the event.  Lunar eclipses are pretty and relaxing, so while I might point one of our Hyde Observatory scopes to another bright target like a star cluster or double star during the eclipse temporarily, for the most part, we will just leave them pointed at the moon.  Clear skies to you.

 

Edited by David Knisely, 14 May 2022 - 01:59 PM.

[Astrojensen]

Eclipses are a bit anticlimactic.

Lunar eclipses are stunningly beautiful. I wish they were more common. I can spend the entire time watching a lunar eclipse at low magnification, as the Moon glides through the star field. Especially if it's a rich one. 

 

 

Clear skies!

Thomas, Denmark 

[Keith Rivich]

No observing plan. I'll set up the 8" for the neighborhood kids to look at the moon. It will be a top shelf margarita night!

[TheWatcher]

Lunar eclipses are stunningly beautiful. I wish they were more common. I can spend the entire time watching a lunar eclipse at low magnification, as the Moon glides through the star field. Especially if it's a rich one.


Clear skies!
Thomas, Denmark

Yes, they are pretty during totality! However, I find it much easier to note progress if you are not gazing unblinkingly at the moon from first penumbral contact to last.

[Astrojensen]

 I find it much easier to note progress if you are not gazing unblinkingly at the moon from first penumbral contact to last.

That's because your eyes are drying out. You'll have to remember blinking now and then. 

 

 

Clear skies!

Thomas, Denmark

 

PS: 

Edited by Astrojensen, 15 May 2022 - 08:57 AM.

[rowdy388]

The moon looks other-worldly during an eclipse. I like to image I'm a space traveler looking at an alien planet. No telescope needed.

[Astro-Master]

This will be my first time to observe a Lunar eclipse with my newest scope, the ES 6" Mak-Newt F/4.8, and my newest eyepiece, the Astro-Tech 28mm UWA 82*, with a power of 26x and a 3.2* FOV, it should look awesome!

 

I'll be checking out some of my favorite carbon stars during the eclipse, like T Lyrae, SS Virginis, Y CVn, and V Corona Borealis,

 

Clear Skies

Bruce

[Sketcher]

I think I'll be fine with the moon, its immediate surroundings, listening for possible reactions from coyotes (other wildlife?), noting how the landscape illumination changes through the various phases of the eclipse, etc.

 

My only plan is to enjoy the eclipse.  Some sketching?  Maybe so.  Maybe not.  Whatever I feel like doing or not doing.