MOON ECLIPSED

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 139, 16 June 1927, Page 12

MOON ECLIPSED

GOOD VIEWS OBTAINED

PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN

ASTRONOMICAL VALUE

Ono thing greatly in favour of the eclipse of tho moon last night was tho fact that it took place at a very convenient time for everyone. Tho younger generation had their bedtimo iostponod for tho occasion, and were enabled to witness the phenomenon and to hear the parental explanation as to how the shadow of the earth was tho cause of the dimming of the moon.

Fortunately the weather conditions were good; the cloud that was about added to tho spectacular effect of tho eclijsc, even if it rather hindered the astronomical observation. Although strictly speaking the eclipse began shortly after 5 p.m., it wan not until an hour later that the ordinary observer could see the shadow gradually stealing across the moon's surface. From C.13 p.m. to 7.44 p.m. more and more of tho moon's surface became obscured, until at the latter hour the phase of totality was reached. The moon then shono witli a pale coppery light—a very feeble image of her usual splendour when full. Totality continued until 8.5 p.m., when tho ahadow gradually receded and the moon shone out again with all her former splendour. The whole phenomenon lasted for about five and three-quarter hours, and had the advantage over an eclipse of the sun in that it was unnecessary to blacken one's face with smoked glass to observe it. The eccentricity of the. direction iv which the shadow moved across the face of the moon was due to the fact that the moon was not in the zenith at the I,imo of tho eclipse; we were off tho central line, so to speak. A LONG VIGIL. The ordinary observer doubtless was quite satisfied with an occasional glance at the eclipse, especially when the total phase was reached, some probably wondering how it was that astronomers could predict the time so exactly. But to astronomers, and more particularly those at the Dominion Observatory, Kelburn, the watching of the phenomen necessitated a long vigil. Although a lnnar eclipse is not nearly of such astronomical interest as a solar eclipse yet it provides plenty of opportunity for research. Dr. C. E. Adams, the Dominion Astronomer, took a series of photographs, the object being to ascertain the exact position of the moon amongst the surrounding stars.' The slight eccentrities of the lunar body make the work of great importance, and New Zealand astronomers have "been: particularly requested to make all observations possible. The dimming of tho moon's brilliance renders stars in its immediate neighbourhood more visible, thus facilitating the accurate determination of position. the clouds somewhat hindered the photographic work, Dr. Adams hopes that when he develops his results the results will be good.

At the same time, Mr. C. G. G. Berry was using the second telescope—the 5 inch one, and was enabled to observe the occultation of a faint star. Interesting observations, too, were made by Mr. A. Crust on the colour of the moon, tho results of which will be compared with the next eclipse.

Although not an open night, a number of visitors turned up at the Dominion Observatory during the eclipse, and werercwarded with a peep at the phenomenon through the instruments.