Bibliotheca Alexandrina recorded a Rare Lunar Eclipse
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Lunar eclipses are among
nature’s most fascinating phenomena.
On the morning of
Sunday 9 November , a rare total lunar eclipse was visible in Africa, Europe, the
Americas, and most of Asia.
Egypt
was one of the most favorable places to observe the eclipse where all the
eclipse stages were visible.
The
Moon entered the shadow of the Earth at 22:15 GMT and crossed its final border at
04:22 GMT.
It was a rare eclipse in
which the totality phase was very brief lasting only 25 minutes from 01:06 to
01:31 GMT.
Through totality the
Moon shone in red light, due to sunlight refracting in atmosphere of the Earth.
Astronomer Aymen
Ibrahem of Bibliotheca Alexandrina Planetarium Science Center observed the
eclipse through the telescope and registered its phases with a telephoto lens.
Mr. Ibrahem who has been
eagerly waiting the celestial wonder noted that: “Lunar eclipses are among the
most spectacular natural phenomena. The Moon glows in varied hues of red,
orange, yellow, white, and grey, that become even more impressive when viewed
through the telescope.
“I have enjoyed much
watching the edge of the Earth umbra advancing across the lunar surface,
obliterating the lunar terrain.
“In this eclipse, thin
clouds passed in front of the Moon adding to the marvel of the cosmic wonder. I
have felt as if I were standing on the surface of an extrasolar planet and
beholding its exotic satellite.”
Lunar eclipses recur
for a given location at intervals of at least 6 months. The next lunar eclipse
will be visible in Egypt on 4 May, 2004. Fortunately, Egypt will witness the
entire eclipse.
So,
Bibliotheca Alexandrina is pleased to invite all of its visitors to enjoy the
coming heavenly attraction.