The M.A.S. Newsletter

Journal of the Mauritius Astronomical Society

December 2000 (Memo)

Hello everybody!

We would like to inform you that the Astronomical Society (Mauritius) will be holding an observation session on the night of the 09th of January at "Le Paradis" Resort, Le Morne.

With the kind authorisation of the Hotel management, we shall meet on the Golf course at 22:30 on Tuesday the 09th. Those of you intending to join us are requested to communicate to us their vehicle's plate number, the number of passengers and the name of the driver by Monday 08th latest so that the necessary arrangements be made at the gate. Our phone numbers are:

Mr. Ricaud Auckbur: 466 5932, 454 0889

Mr. Bhasker Desai: 454 1472

Mr. Serge Florens: 686 4396

Failing such, access will be denied at the hotel entrance gate.

Snacks and refreshments will be on a bring and share basis.

Binoculars and telescopes are most welcome.

Event

Local Time

 Remarks
Penumbral eclipse starts

21:43

 Moon enters the Earth's penumbra
Partial phase begins

22:42

 Moon enters Earth's umbra
Totality begins

23:49

 Moon starts to be completely in shadow
Maximum eclipse

00:20

 Moon in darkest part of shadow
Totality ends

00:51

 Moon stops being completely in umbra
Partial phase ends

01:59

 Moon leaves umbra
Penumbral eclipse ends

02:57

 Moon leaves penumbra

Comments:

  1. The event will be visible from anywhere on the island since the Moon will be very high in the sky during the eclipse. No instrument is essential to enjoy the sight, but binocular owners will definitely be advantaged. Camera owners should try snapshots (about 1 second exposure at totality using a fast film) with the use of a telephoto lens and a tripod.
  2. The penumbral phase will be barely visible to the eye. It consists of the Moon entering the Earth's penumbra and only a very slight darkening of the surface will result.
  3. Darkening will be perceptible as from about 22:40. The colour of the Moon will be markedly orange or brick red during totality. This is due to light being reddened and refracted through the Earth's atmosphere before reaching the Moon's surface.

Serge Florens, Secretary

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