Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey Topics), 13 April 2014

HAPPY NEW WEEK!!!

Last week's chat thread is here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/lochgartenospreys/f/915/p/111088/854210.aspx#854210

The code for this week's thread is WC130414.

On Monday night through Tuesday morning (14-15 April), there's a TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE in the Americas and the Pacific. In the U.K., you'll see a PARTIAL LUNAR ECLIPSE. Sky watchers in the U.S. have the chance to see a series of four total eclipses in the next 18 months, beginning with the one early Tuesday. 

The moon will shine red during the eclipse. A vocal minority of folks here believe that this rare tetrad of total lunar eclipses -- the four "Blood Moons" -- will be a harbinger of doom and perhaps herald the apocalypse. Personally, I'm really looking forward to watching this first one. It should be beautiful!!!

Also on 14 April, Mars will make it's closest approach to Earth. It will be 10 times brighter than a star and will put on its best show in 6 years!

The Slooh Observatory is hosting a special online broadcast of both events. Check out the Slooh site for times: http://events.slooh.com/ I'm supposed to have thunderstorms, so I'll probably have to watch online. Dang it.

Also, the Lyrid Meteor Shower begins on Wednesday, 16 April, but it won't peak until 22 April.

Info: http://astronomy.com/observing/sky-this-week/2014/04/april-1120-2014

Info: http://www.space.com/25464-lunar-eclipse-tax-day-blood-moon.html

Info: http://www.space.com/25409-four-blood-moons-tetrad-lunar-eclipse.html

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL week.