World Report: October 4, 1996 Vol.2 No.4
- This Issue:
- Table of Contents
- Cover Story
- Cover Story - Spanish Version
- Mini-Lesson
- Comprehension Quiz
- Teacher's Guide and Worksheets
Good Night, Moon!
Last Thursday sky watchers got a big treat: the final total lunar eclipse of the century!
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the earth moves directly between the sun and the full moon. Over a period of 3 1/2 hours, the earth's shadow crept across the bright harvest moon, which was completely blocked out at about 9:19 p.m. Central Standard Time. (A harvest moon is the last full moon before autumn begins. Harvest moons seem brighter because of the crisp fall sky.)
This eclipse featured an exciting bonus: the sight of Saturn glowing just below the moon.
"To be able to see Saturn with its rings is a thrill," said Judy Fische, one of about 300 people who watched the eclipse from Boston University's rooftop observatory.
If you missed this total lunar eclipse, don't worry. You'll get another chance in January 2000.
