It's been a long time since we've been able to see a total lunar eclipse from the West Coast of North America, but the wait is finally over. The total lunar eclipse that took place on April 15, 2014 was the first of two total lunar eclipses in 2014, and the first in a tetrad (four total lunar eclipses in series). The subsequent eclipses in the tetrad will occur on October 8, 2014, April 4, 2015 and September 28, 2015. This eclipse was especially well placed for observers in San Diego, California.
A lunar eclipse can only occur during a full moon when the orbital geometry of the Earth, the Moon and the Sun align for a short period of time. The Earth’s shadow has two parts: a darker inner section called the umbra and a lighter outer region called the penumbra. When the Moon only passes through the penumbra, we experience a Penumbral Eclipse. When the Moon passes through part of the umbra, we see a Partial Eclipse. When the Moon passes completely through the umbra, we experience a Total Eclipse.
The first penumbral phase (P1) began at 9:55 pm and the umbral phase (U1) began at 11:04 pm. Totality began at 12:07 am and lasted until 1:25 am! One hour and eighteen minutes of totality. The final umbral phase (U2) ended at 2:31 am, and the final penumbral phase (P2) ended at 3:37 am. The skies were clear and I was able to create a composite image of the entire eclipse from beginning to end. Unfortunately, a heavy coat of dew began to form that eventually obscured the lenses of my camera and my telescope just as totality began. Thankfully totality lasted a long time, and I had time to set up a hair dryer. Careful to keep the dryer at a safe distance on the lowest heat setting, the dew problem was resolved and it didn't form again.
The skies were clear and I was able to create this composite image of the entire eclipse from beginning to end.
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