On March 3rd, 11 days from today (February 20th) the New Orleans area will witness a total lunar eclipse. Visible if clear and for those that like to do their observing very late at night (or very early in the morning), whatever your perspective might be. Here are the particulars -
Partial umbral phase (noticeable limb darkening) begins at 3:50 am with the Moon in the western sky and a bit over 32 degrees high
Total eclipse begins at 5:04 am with the Moon a bit over 16 degrees in elevation. This time also marks the beginning of astronomical twilight (still dark)
We transition from astronomical twilight thru nautical twilight between 5:04 am and 5:59 am when nautical twilight ends and civil twilight begins.
The total phase of the eclipse ends at 6:02 am a few minutes into civil twilight, at that time the Moon is just 4.5 degrees above the horizon and just a smidge north of due west in azimuth.
In preparation for the eclipse it is critical that you check the elevation of your yard or a nearby observing location. Even when totality begins at 5:04 am with the Moon 16 degrees up in the sky, many backyard locations will not allow observing of the eclipse due to the height of trees and homes.
Thru a telescope or binoculars the shading on the Moon will give it more of a 3D appearance. As the Moon darkens as it falls under the shadow cast by the Earth stars that were unseen or difficult to see will become visible under the darkening sky. Additionally later during twilight the eclipsed Moon will take on a different appearance. You might be sleep deprived but observation of the eclipse can be rewarding.
Barry Simon
