megalithic Posted March 20, 2011 Author Share Posted March 20, 2011 So it's nothing to do with the moon being lit up by the setting sun's rays refracted through the earth's atmosphere and lighting up the moon in the same sunset colours we see here? I always assumed it was that, but it was an explanation I had worked out for myself and wasn't based on any reading or research. Nope, the effect is local, and varies according to local conditions. Well, those of your horizon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadingNorth Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 So it's nothing to do with the moon being lit up by the setting sun's rays refracted through the earth's atmosphere and lighting up the moon in the same sunset colours we see here?. It's essentially the same phenomenon, yes; but there's more of it when there is more dust than normal in the atmosphere. Light gets more scattered, therefore things appear more orange-red. (Dust is enormously more efficient at scattering light than air molecules; indeed, it doesn't take much dust to block out the sight of sun and moon altogether.) The period after a major volcanic eruption invariably produces some spectacular sunsets, and very noticeably orange, or even red, Moons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairyNormal Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 http://www.flickr.com/photos/fairynormal/sets/72157626303371510/ My pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazy.mike Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 The moon did look good but i thought it was slightly over rated, didn't as as big as i was expecting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megalithic Posted May 24, 2013 Author Share Posted May 24, 2013 Anyone catch tonight's supermoon ? Looked absolutely stunning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Drew Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 There will be an astronomical conjunction of Jupiter, Venus and Mercury tomorrow (Sunday 26th May). This means all three planets will appear really closely together and is quite an unusual occurrence. You will need to be looking towards the Northwest about 50 minutes after sunset (2200hrs or thereabouts) skies should be clear and binoculars will be helpful but not essential. http://astronomical-calendar.org.uk/index.php/jupiter-venus-and-mercury-may-26 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazza58 Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 COOL,i will be looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6string Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 thanks for that i will have a stargazing session Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nagel Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Thanks for the tip, I'll be watching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwyther Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Start looking just after 21.00 pm , it will be low down in the North West skyline... Just looked on Stellerium Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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