Very long total lunar eclipse coming Wednesday

[torch621]

This month’s full moon will pass almost directly through the center of Earth’s shadow on Wednesday in what will be an unusually long total eclipse of the moon.

The lunar eclipse will occur just two weeks after a June 1 partial solar eclipse, when the moon blocked part of the sun as viewed from Arctic regions. The eclipse won’t be visible from North America due to its timing, which places the event in the daylight hours when the moon is behind the local horizon.

But the Eastern Hemisphere of Earth will be facing the moon during the eclipse. This hemisphere, centered on a spot in the Indian Ocean to the east of the island nation of Madagascar, will have a ringside seat for this event. Video: Inside the June 15 Total Lunar Eclipse ]

msnbc.msn.com/id/43365523/?GT1=43001

 

[Peggy_in_Burien]

Thanks for the info.

 

[SVP]

Wow, a geography lesson! I never knew where the “eastern hemisphere” was centered until MSNBC spelled it out.

 

[Dale_M]

Wow, a geography lesson! I never knew where the “eastern hemisphere” was centered until MSNBC spelled it out.

Actually, I found that useful. If I ever learned that the east and west hemispheres are centered on the 180 degree line of longitude, I’ve long since forgotten it. And given most Americans (MSNBC’s primary audience) dismal understanding of geography, I suspect I am not alone.

As for the lunar eclipse, meh. I haven’t found them to be very dramatic, or worth the effort to view them. But for those who do enjoy the uncommon display, its good to know about it in advance.

 

[Dale_M]

Wow, a geography lesson! I never knew where the “eastern hemisphere” was centered until MSNBC spelled it out.

Its useful information. Its been a long time since I learned that in primary school. Although, if the eastern hemisphere is centered on 90 degrees east longitude, it would seem closer to western Australia than to Madagascar