The eclipse at total stage where the moon is completely within the main shadow (umbra). (Click image to enlarge)
This image taken clearly shows the curve of the Earth's main shadow (the umbra) on the Moon. (Click image to enlarge)
Montage of the event up until maximum eclipse (Click image to enlarge)
On Saturday 03rd March a total eclipse of the moon was visible from the UK. In fact this particular eclipse was visible from every continent on Earth. Conditions were excellent for the majority of the eclipse here in Somerset. Sky conditions began to get a little 'murky' from around 1am on the 4th. I successfully took a multitude of photo's with the DSLR through the scope capturing most parts of the whole event as it unfolded. As with all lunar eclipses nothing appears to change around the official start time (of 8:18pm). I first didn't notice any visual changes to the full moon until around 9pm. Im glad that local news reported the 'total eclipse' start time of 9:30 otherwise a lot of impatient viewers would have wondered what all the fuss was about! It seems to be this one is an average eclipse brightness wise. It didn't look very dark red nor did it look over bright. A wonderful sight with the naked eye and through binoculars.
My scope still tracking the moon as the it leaves the Earth's shadow.
The rest of the month had a few clear nights at the right time and I enjoyed further views of Saturn and the open clusters in Auriga and Gemini. Venus is starting to attract attention.
