Total Eclipse of the Moon

By Broadside Correspondent Sonya Hudson

Students braved the cold in Presidents Park to watch the lunar eclipse which many knew little about.

A total lunar eclipse, visible throughout North and South America, reddened the moon Wednesday night.

This spectacle only occurs when the entire moon passes directly through the Earth’s shadow. The full lunar eclipse was visible for about an hour.

Mason students’ intrigue of the vibrant reddish-orange moon did not last long, as many retreated to the warmth of their dorm rooms.

One female freshman regretted her decision on her attire, realizing the limited warmth that spandex provides.

Another freshman braved the cold for the entire hour allotted for the full lunar eclipse.

Mike Rushin, eclipse enthusiast, came prepared with things such as a comfortable chair, a bag of Chex Mix and his computer.

As reproachful students looked on, Rushin said, “I’m in for the long run.”

To provide insight for students, Dr. Peter Becker, Associate Dean of graduate studies in the college of science as well as a professor of physics and astronomy, answered the questions raised by many confused students.
Becker explained that the lunar eclipse is caused when the moon moves through the Earth’s shadow.

“Lunar eclipses don't occur every month due to the tilt of the Moon's orbital plane relative to the Earth's orbital plane,” Becker said.

“The moon does not always pass directly through Earth’s shadow, but when it does, a lunar eclipse is witnessed by people on the night side of the Earth.

“The moon turns red during the lunar eclipse because it is illuminated by light that has passed through the Earth's atmosphere,” Becker said, “which tends to remove the blue light due to scattering with air molecules This leaves only the red to illuminate the moon.”

Comparing a lunar eclipse to a solar eclipse, Becker said, “The solar eclipse is a more dramatic one.”
During a solar eclipse, the sun is blocked from the Earth by the moon.

Solar eclipses are much shorter than lunar eclipses given the sizes of the moon and the sun.

During a solar eclipse, Becker said, “Birds stop singing because they think it is night. On the other hand, the lunar eclipse is less dramatic, but still interesting and beautiful to observe.”

This occurrence only lasts a few minutes whereas the total lunar eclipse lasted for almost an hour.

Lunar eclipses only occur between zero to three times a year.

If you missed the total lunar eclipse Wednesday night, it is projected to occur again on Dec. 21, 2010.

Most students did not know what they were getting into or why exactly the moon was turning red. Students were both mesmerized and easily bored by the red moon, discussing how exactly a lunar eclipse occurs.

Some students, like freshman Meg Patrick, were expecting a more exciting event than what took place.

“Especially after receiving a Facebook event invitation to the total eclipse of the moon weeks in advance,” Patrick said, “I was disappointed by the lack of excitement.”
Many students, unaware of the lunar eclipse unfolding above them, questioned the sanity of those students shivering in groups gazing at the night sky.

Some students had no expectations of the event but rather were coaxed into the cold weather by friends.

Freshman Anthony Loria was one of the students with no expectations, but found looking at the red moon to be enjoyable, though the cold weather made it unbearable to enjoy for long.

“I was glad I checked it out,” Loria said. “It was a good experience.”

Others thought the moon would be completely covered and total darkness would ensue.

One such freshman, Kenneth Harcrow, disappointed by the red moon, said, “I thought it was interesting that everyone got worked up over such a lame event.”

Freshmen ran back and forth between their warm buildings and the cold surrounding the overall anticlimactic event of the lunar eclipse.

For more information, visit Mason’s astronomy observing session Web site at physics.gmu.edu/~hgellar/observing.html