On Tuesday evening the 28th August a total eclipse of the moon will occur across all of Australia. Fortunately for east coast observers this will happen at a very convenient time early in the evening. The partial phases of the eclipse will begin at 6.51pm, totality will commence at 7.52pm with greatest eclipse at 8.37pm where the moon will be relatively high in the sky at 38ยบ making observing easy. Totality will end at 9.22pm.
A Lunar Eclipse occurs when part or all of the Moon passes into the Earth's shadow. Lunar Eclipses (unlike Solar Eclipses) are completely safe to observe with the unfiltered and unaided eye - no special equipment is needed. The full moon will appear to go dark and turn a deep blood or coppery red.
Use of a telescope or binoculars can help improve the view, giving you more magnification and intensifying the colouration.
Sometimes a Total Lunar Eclipse is best viewed without any optical aid, just lying under the stars watching the change as the Moon first gets slightly darker and eaten away (partial phase), finally turning deep red as it enters totality.
Whilst you can watch this event (weather permitting) from any location where you have a clear view of the moon, Avoca Beach Scouts will have an eclipse viewing evening at their hall which all Gosford district scout members, their family, friends and public are welcome to attend and view jointly. Bring a friend! We will set up some telescopes for viewing to enhance the experience. We can also show you how to find south, identify constellations, whilst watching the eclipse up close! All of which can count towards achievement of your astronomy badge.
The Avoca Beach scout hall will be open from 7.30pm to 9.00pm during the lunar eclipse totality period. A light supper will also be available for a gold coin donation, and/or bring your own or something to share!
Note there will be no organised or supervised activities by Avoca leaders on this night, just casual observing, so all youth members attending would need to be supervised and accompanied by their parents and leaders. All members attending please wear your full uniform so we at least look like scouts. If you have your own telescopes and binoculars of any sort, please bring them to enhance your experience of this rare event!
Note this evening is weather dependent, if it is heavily overcast or raining it will be off. If in doubt call me at my number below. If you plan to have significant numbers attending please let me know so I can be prepared!
Even if you can’t come to our viewing night, go outside next Tuesday and take a look!
Robert “Musca” Milne – Group Leader, 1st Avoca Beach
Mob: 0403 333030
www.avocascouts.com
