TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE;
3rd March 2007.

For the first time in well over two years
a total eclipse of the Moon will be visible
from the UK. It can be sighted across
Europe and Africa, weather permitting
of course.

A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Moon
passes into the Earth's shadow when
they line up with the Sun. All six hours
and five minutes of the event will be
visible from the UK.

First contact with the faint 'penumbral'
(partial) shadow takes place at 8:18pm
GMT, followed by a slight darkening of
the lower left hand edge of the Moon
(its leading edge). This shade should be
readily visible by the time of first 'umbral'
(full) shadow at 9:30pm.

The Moon will continue its entry into the
darkest part of the Earth's shadow, and
increasing 'bite' will be taken out of the
left side of the Moon until it is completely
immersed in shadow at 10:44pm.

During maximum eclipse (totality) at
11:21pm observers may witness a near
invisible Moon or one that is coppery-red
or orange in colour.

Totality ends at 11:58pm, with the last
umbral contact at 01:11am and last
penumbral contact at 02:24am.

Enjoy.