The Outer Space thread

[The Call of the Wendigo]

Massive lake of water found beneath Mars’ south pole could host life https://t.co/KqS5S87vA6 pic.twitter.com/IGcJnadO0o

— New Scientist (@newscientist) 25 July 2018

[flibbington2.0]

Wendi what's the big eclipse thing all about?
And why is it different to other eclipses?

[The Call of the Wendigo]

There's going to be a big eclipse?

[The Call of the Wendigo]

I have now found out about it.

Skywatchers will be treated to the longest "blood moon" eclipse of the 21st Century on Friday.

As it rises, during this total eclipse, Earth's natural satellite will turn a striking shade of red or ruddy brown.

The "totality" period, when light from the Moon is totally obscured, will last for one hour, 43 minutes.

The eclipse is visible from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, most of Asia and South America and in the UK from around 21:00 to 22:15 BST.

On the same night and over the coming days, Mars will be at its closest point to Earth since 2003 - visible as a "bright red star" where skies are clear.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44945452

[The Call of the Wendigo]

That guarantees it's going to be cloudy and rainy tonight.

[flibbington2.0]

Thanks for the info. I've woken early to watch it. It's 05:52, and it starts at 06:24. It is freezing. It's 0° but feels much colder.
The sky is completely cloudless and the moon is so bright almost need sunglasses. It's completely lit up the bedroom. I can see Mars too.
Quite excited. I've seen a partial eclipse on a cloudy night. Have need seen a Bonnie Tyler TM Total Eclipse before. Ever.
If exciting things happen I will let you know.

First up gotta put the kettle on.

[flibbington2.0]

Ooh it's starting!
And look, it's Mars just above the moon.

[Fangirl Three]

The NHOTW is the only forum that brings you lunar eclipses live from the other side of the world

[flibbington2.0]

Stuff is happening. The moon is disappearing. It's about a fifth gone. But with the phone I'm using nothing's discernable.
It is exciting yes, but I wanna see things speeding up, I wanna see colours. I got up early on a non school day for this.

[flibbington2.0]

I've opened the window because it's dirty for optimal viewing. But all that's done is bring biting cold in.
Weather site says it's 1.8° but I don't believe that at all. It's way colder. It's teeth chattering cold.

[flibbington2.0]

Ooh have a look. A little bit missing from the top right! Plus a wispy cloud in the way. The only cloud in the sky.

[flibbington2.0]

First birdsong.
While not eclipse related I think it's probably noteworthy.

[flibbington2.0]

I've just gone to the other side of the house to see dawn's breaking. The eclipse wont be in effect until 7:30.

[flibbington2.0]

It's all on. It's disappearing before my eyes. Just like that! This is getting exciting now. It's also bluening up.

[flibbington2.0]

It's gone completely. There's meant to be a redness but we are too far north to be able to see it. What with the sun coming up in half an hour or so.

[Nightjar]

This so-called 'Blood Moon' has coincided with blanket cloud cover and torrential rain across the UK.

[flibbington2.0]

That actually was pretty damn cool. Not lying at all. Big arse full moon just gone.
Here's indisputable proof. A picture which shows no moon!!! And here concludes the eclipse watch. I'm going to close the window and jump back into bed for another hour. (I may check again in 20 minutes if I don't fall asleep).

[flibbington2.0]

This so-called 'Blood Moon' has coincided with blanket cloud cover and torrential rain across the UK.

Hopefully my report, pants as it was, has been of interest.

[flibbington2.0]

Oh no point checking. The moon won't be returning until tonight.

[Nightjar]

Big arse full moon just gone.

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