Mankind has long gazed toward the heavens, searching to put meaning and order to the universe around him. Neither an asteroid nor a comet will hit us in September but rather a total lunar eclipse will take place on September 28, 2015.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes within Earth's umbra (shadow). As the eclipse begins, the Earth's shadow first darkens the Moon slightly. Then, the shadow begins to "cover" part of the Moon, turning it a dark red-brown color. The Moon appears to be reddish because of Rayleigh scattering (the same effect that causes sunsets to appear reddish) and the refraction of that light by the Earth's atmosphere into its umbra.
The following simulation shows the approximate appearance of the Moon passing through the earth's shadow. The Moon's brightness is exaggerated within the umbral shadow. The northern portion of the Moon was closest to the center of the shadow, making it darkest, and most red in appearance.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes within Earth's umbra (shadow). As the eclipse begins, the Earth's shadow first darkens the Moon slightly. Then, the shadow begins to "cover" part of the Moon, turning it a dark red-brown color. The Moon appears to be reddish because of Rayleigh scattering (the same effect that causes sunsets to appear reddish) and the refraction of that light by the Earth's atmosphere into its umbra.
The following simulation shows the approximate appearance of the Moon passing through the earth's shadow. The Moon's brightness is exaggerated within the umbral shadow. The northern portion of the Moon was closest to the center of the shadow, making it darkest, and most red in appearance.
If you’re interested in astronomy and obtaining the perfect instrument to navigate your way to view the lunar eclipse, then look no more. We have two special items in store; the first is a brass cased Surveyor’s Compass with original leather pouch, made by W. MacDonnell & Co., Sydney c1900. This is an instrument used in surveying to measure horizontal angles. It consists of a circular brass box containing a magnetic needle, which moves freely over a brass circle, or compass divided into 360 degrees. The needle is protected by a glass covering. A pair of sights is located on the North-South axis of the compass.
The second is an ebony and ivory sextant in original box, c1840. A sextant is a doubly reflecting navigation instrument used to measure the angle between any two visible objects. The primary use of a sextant is to determine the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon for the purposes of celestial navigation. Here at Greene & Greene, we couldn’t think of anything better for an astronomy enthusiast.
The second is an ebony and ivory sextant in original box, c1840. A sextant is a doubly reflecting navigation instrument used to measure the angle between any two visible objects. The primary use of a sextant is to determine the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon for the purposes of celestial navigation. Here at Greene & Greene, we couldn’t think of anything better for an astronomy enthusiast.
Antique Scientific Instruments
The Lunar Eclipse is moving closer to earth so better be quick and collect some of our antique scientific instruments. Come and visit us at Greene & Greene Antiques, Woollahra.
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