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Lunar Eclipse Visible from Ireland
On the evening of September 7, a rare event will
take place over Irish skies - a Partial Lunar Eclipse. It will
begin with the first appearance of the Moon at 8:00pm as it rises in
the East, and last until 10:00 pm.
During this time, the Moon will pass through the
shadow of the Earth, resulting in eerie discoloration. There
will also be a small crescent chunk absent from the Full Moon's
perimeter, where the Earth has completely blocked the sunlight.
This 'bite' will be missing until 8:37pm. The discoloration
and a dimming effect will officially continue until 10:00 pm.
"The eclipse is always an event that holds a
certain fascination with the general public. It also has a
strong historical background. Eclipses have been responsible
for the falls of the Greek and Roman Empires and both Christopher
Columbus and Lawrence of Arabia used eclipses to gain an advantage
in battle!" Says Astronomy ireland Chairman David Moore.
"We are urging everyone in Ireland to go out
and watch the eclipse on Thursday. You don't need a telescope or
binoculars so it is something everyone can see" he said.
Details of the eclipse are available in
Astronomy Ireland's magazine which is being offered to everyone in
Ireland by visiting the society's website at www.astronomy.ie
or calling (01) 847 0777
The full colour 48 page magazine
is aimed at begiiners and only costs 5euro including postage,
and it has details of lots of other sights to see this month and
much more for anyone discovering an interest in space.
Time of Lunar Eclipse: September 7
at 7:49pm
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