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This collaborative programme is concerned with the observation of a Lunar Eclipse, that is when the Moon enters the Earth's shadow. During this event, less sunlight reaches the Moon and its appearance changes. During a Total Lunar Eclipse, the Moon is entirely inside the Earth's shadow; during a Partial Lunar Eclipse, only part of the Moon is inside.
A Lunar Eclipse always happens at the time of full moon, when the Sun, Earth and Moon are (nearly) aligned.
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A Total Lunar Eclipse took place on Tuesday, September 16, 1997. A preliminary report is now available! |
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Another Total Lunar Eclipse took place on Friday, September 27, 1996. It was visible in most areas of North and South America, Europe, Africa, Western Asia, in some places only partly. Results from the observations by Astronomy On-Line Groups of the 1996 eclipse are available! |
The text here does not tell you everything about lunar eclipses, but if you want to know more, we suggest that you consult the Sky & Telescope Eclipse Pages which contain detailed predictions for the timing, advice about photographic work, etc. You will find very interesting information about other eclipses here as well, for instance about the total solar eclipse which can be seen in Europe on August 11, 1999. You may also look at the Sky & Telescope issues of September 1996 (page 68-71) or October 1992 (page 437).
More related information is also available in the Astronomy On-Line Solar Eclipse Project and you may find it interesting to read about the ancient observations in a most fascinating science book: `Science for the Citizen' by Lancelot Hogbein (Aberdeen, Sept. 1939).