SLAS Regular Meeting
Friday, December 19, 2014 7:30pm
McDonnell Hall, Washington University

When Worlds Aligned – October’s Eclipses

by

Members and Guests of SLAS

    The meeting will be a presentation by astrophotographers about the solar eclipse and lunar eclipse of last October,  will be featured at the December meeting of the Saint Louis Astronomical Society.
    The Moon orbits the Earth in almost the same plane as the Earth orbits the Sun. The “almost” means that Earth, Moon, and Sun usually do not line up exactly twice per month – the Moon is usually above or below the Earth-Sun line. Only twice a year is the alignment close enough that eclipses can occur. This year, one of those times occurred on October 8, when the full Moon moved into the Earth’s shadow, causing a total lunar eclipse. Then, on October 23, the new Moon moved between the Earth and the Sun, but the alignment was not exact. A partial solar eclipse resulted.
    Members of the Saint Louis Astronomical Society will display pictures taken during these eclipses. They will explain what techniques were used to obtain their images. Observing solar eclipses safely requires special equipment and knowledge, since the Sun is being viewed directly. Instant and permanent eye damage results from even a quick look at the Sun through binoculars or a telescope, unless the proper equipment and safety precautions are employed. Consequently, photographing solar eclipses requires care and caution. Lunar eclipses are safely viewed with no equipment. However, skill is required to manage the brightness contrasts among eclipsed portions of the Moon, uneclipsed portions, and the night sky, in order to obtain good images.
     All are welcome to bring photos to share with the group for either the Solar or Lunar eclipses.

Next Month:  Astro Events for 2015 - Mark Jones, The Future for Space Travel and Telescopes - Paul Baldwin.

Meeting Agenda

Welcome

Introduction of Officers and Visitors

Lunar and Solar Eclipse Show!

Tour of a German Astronomy Exhibit - Larry Campbell

Announcements and Star Parties

Budget