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By Francois-Marie Patorni
Special to the Rappahannock News
A magnificent event is about to take place in the Rappahannock skies. On May 15, there will be a total eclipse of the moon, starting at about 10 p.m.
To celebrate this event and kick off a series of “know our skies” gettogethers, the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP) is sponsoring an “eclipsewatch evening” on. this date at the Washington Fire Hall at 9 p.m.
During a total lunar eclipse, the earth blocks the direct sunlight normally illuminating the moon and casts its round shadow on it. To the ancient Greeks, this round shadow was one of the proofs that the earth was round.
Usually occurring twice a year, the moon becomes engulfed in the earth’s shadow for up to one and one half hours. An eclipse of the moon can only occur at full moon, and only when the earth is exactly between the sun and the moon. Unlike a total solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is seen from the night side of earth and is completely safe to watch.
The moon-watching evening will start with indoor refreshments and a short presentation of what a moon eclipse is. There will be a physical model of the earth casting its shadow on the moon, posters and displays about the moon and eclipses. Participants will then move outside at 9:30 p.m.
While waiting for the eclipse to start at 10:03 p.m., moon watchers will be able to look through several giant binoculars and telescopes and
See MOON, Page A6
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