Face up to the dark face of the moon in eclipse

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  EARLY risers — or all-night revellers — will be treated to a special sight tomorrow morning with a partial eclipse of the moon in the pre-dawn sky.

  From 5.36am the Earth's shadow will sweep across the moon's face, darkening part of the full moon.

  By the time the moon sets just after 7am, close to 80% of the moon will be obscured.

  Astronomical Society of Victoria spokesman Perry Vlahos said it would be "a magical sight for the naked eye".

  "The bright part will be very, very bright and the rest will be in very deep shadow," he said. "It will almost be black and white."

  Lunar eclipses occur at full moon when the sun, Earth and moon are perfectly aligned.

  Melbourne Planetarium astronomer Dr Tanya Hill said an eclipse was a unique opportunity to see the solar system in motion. "That's what I really love about them, it reminds us that we are on this journey through space."

  It is safe to watch a lunar eclipse and no special equipment is needed.

  Tomorrow's eclipse is best seen where there is a low, unobscured view of the western horizon. The Astronomical Society suggests beaches from St Kilda to the Mornington Peninsula.

  
  

  By : Chee Chee Leung

  • August 16, 2008