From this site.

"The Moon is currently moving away from Earth by about 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) inches every year (destined, alas to disintegrate). We happen to stand on this planet at a time when the Moon's apparent size in the sky is exactly the same as that of the Sun. The Moon's actual diameter is much smaller than the Sun, but it is much closer to us. Eventually, however, a total lunar eclipse won't be geometrically possible, just as it
[w]as not possible in the distant past when the Moon was nearer to us."

Huh???? Does this make sense? Am I missing something?

If you are, so am I. Unless the writer meant to say that in the past the lunar eclipse would be more than total; if that makes sense?

Perhaps the author meant to say that a total solar eclipse (by the moon) will not be possible, i.e., there will be an annulus of sunlight beyond the edges of the moon's disk spoiling the effect. Likewise a closer moon would have blocked the spectacular view of the sun's corona during a total eclipse.

...but it would still have been a total eclipse. Kendor, I don't think the statement makes sense, either.

While they are still happening, be sure to catch the one tonight!

This site has information on its timing and visibility.

quote:

Originally posted by coldfuse:
While they are still happening, be sure to catch the one tonight!

This site has information on its timing and visibility.

Well, we'll try not to. As I type this at 21.50 what seems like half of Cambridge (it is a science based city, after all ) has invited itself here, because we are well outside the city's light pollution, and also brought the children Hope they aren't expecting drinks !

It's a very clear night and the eclipse is bound to be exceptional, so everyone is looking forward to the next few hours.

Anyone watch the lunar eclipse last night?

We had an excellent view over Hyde, skies were very clear. Pretty amazing!

We were overcast.

The moon turned blood-red towards the end of the eclipse. Impressive. Our ancestors must have regarded this as a fearsome omen !