Once in a red moon

Once in a red moon
http://archive.gulfnews.com/world/General/10149752.html

08/28/2007 11:05 PM | Gulf News Report



Clouds blowing across the sky in high winds over Auckland, New
Zealand, failed to prevent a spectacular sight for stargazers on
Tuesday as a rare lunar eclipse took effect.

Unsettled weather had been forecast for the total lunar eclipse, but
there were enough breaks in the cloud to witness the rare event.

In Sydney, under near cloudless sky, a crowd, mainly families, took
their positions at the Observatory Hill with binoculars and cameras.

While the eclipse was full the moon appeared a deep red because only
the red component of sunlight was diffracted around the earth onto its
surface. One Sydney resident said the air of excitement among the
watchers was fantastic.

Although it was a total eclipse, the ring of light around the earth's
edge is enough to illuminate the moon's surface. If there is enough
dust in the earth's atmosphere the surface will appear blood red, as
was the case yesterday.

An eclipse occurs when the earth passes between the sun and the moon,
blocking the Sun's light. It is rare because the moon is usually
either above or below the plane of the earth's orbit.

Rare event

While lunar eclipses occur at least twice a year somewhere in the
world, the last time a total eclipse was visible from Australia's
eastern states was in July 2000.

Meanwhile, Cambodian official Royal Palace astrologer In Borin said he
would be able to announce a prediction which may range from abundance
to pestilence and impending disaster after the eclipse passes over
Cambodia later this evening local time.

The prediction may have to come via cable television coverage,
however, because storm clouds had gathered over the capital as evening
drew closer.

"We are advising all Cambodians to burn candles and incense during the
eclipse to help ensure that good luck and prosperity are drawn to the
kingdom," Borin said.

He said the lunar eclipse, the second this year, could be ominous
because other indicators, including the Royal Ploughing Ceremony
earlier in the year - when what royal oxen eat is believed to predict
the coming harvest - had been less than auspicious.

Ministry of Culture undersecretary of state, Tauch Sarou, said
Cambodians believe the key to predicting the future from an eclipse is
in where the moon emerges from as the eclipse passes.

"The sun and moon come together like two relatives meeting who love
each other. If the sun moves the moon from out of its mouth quickly,
it means happiness, development and good harvest," Sarou said.

"If the sun doesn't remove itself and the moon comes from the sun's
stomach, Cambodians believe disaster and disease will follow."

Borin and Sarun said if the eclipse does not appear favourable, a
Buddhist ceremony will be held to try to avert the bad luck.

Cambodian tradition holds that eclipses are caused when a demon or
deity called Rahu devours the moon.

Vantage point

In North America, many people got up early to go outside and see the
eclipse. One of the best views in the Central Florida area was from
the room of the observatory and planetarium at the Brevard County
Community College.

Members of the Brevard Astronomical Society said they got one of the
clearest views of a lunar eclipse they have seen.

The eclipse was visible in North and South America, especially in the
west.

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