Solar and Lunar Eclipses are some of the most impressive astronomical events the ordinary person can observe without extensive equipment. Solar Eclipses only need Solar filters for binoculars or telescopes, and Solar glasses or even just a simple pinhole projector to safely view. Lunar Eclipses can be viewed by anyone on the night side of the Earth when one occurs, but binoculars or a telescope can make the view much nicer.
Eclipses always come in pairs, two weeks apart, and sometimes we get three. The “Eclipse Season” lasts about 35 days twice a year. The Moon’s orbit is 29.5 days which allows it to align perfectly twice, once at New Moon and once at Full Moon. At other times of the year, the Moon is out of alignment due to the 5 degree difference in the Lunar and Solar orbital planes and Eclipses cannot occur.
Eclipse Blog
Even though the event occurred several weeks ago, everyone is asked even at this late date to submit their images, sketches, drawings and written reports of the November 6, 2022 lunar eclipse as soon as possible to the ALPO Eclipse Section Coordinator Keith Spring for use in his report to the ALPO membership in an upcoming Journal of the ALPO.
In order to make his report as scientifically valid as possible, please include as much observational data as possible including:
- Your name and exact observing location
- Exact date and time of the observation/image exposure
- Exposure timing details
- Estimate of the lunar altitude above your horizon and azimuth (direction)
- Brand and model of the imaging equipment (telescope, mount, eyepiece, camera, mobile phone camera brand and model)
- General weather conditions (ambient temperature, sky conditions, etc.)
- Your own commentary about what you observed
Send all material to:
Keith Spring
2173 John Hart Circle
Orange Park, FL 32073
E-mail address — star.man13@hotmail.com
Eclipse Highlights
Equipment: 130mm f7.7 APO with Nikon Z5
A composite poster documenting the partial phases as seenfrom Aiken, SC
Equipment: 80mm f/7 Vixen, Canon Mark II
As C3 approaches the appearance of a set of sparkling Baily's Beads bursts into view along the limb.
Equipment: Nixon CoolPix P1000
Perhaps the most spectacular aspect of the eclipse was the huge naked-eye prominence at the 7 o'clock position
Equipment: Canon EOS D6
A stunning image capturing intricate corona detail and extensive streamers
Equipment: Orion 120mm f/5 with CanonM50 Mark II
The brilliant C3 Diamond Ring captured from St. Albans City, VT