Blood Moon 2014

We were initially set-up at Trinoma to have a good view of the moonrise. However, the cloudy skies made us want to call it a night. As we were leaving the Moon began to appear. One jeep ride and a short run after we were able to setup the telescope (thank God its a Dobsonian) and image away. Bible study goers at the UCCP-CHR as well as jeepney drivers joined in as we observed. Here are some of the images I took:

From Shades of Grey to Brilliant Red - December 10, 2011 Total Lunar Eclipse

Last night was the second total lunar eclipse of the year visible from the Philippines. I was fortunate enough to witness both however I failed to observe all phases of the second due to poor weather. We were suppose to go to PAGASA observatory with the RTU students but my companions decided to call off the observation since the sky remained covered with thick clouds by the evening. It also rained when the penumbral stage began.

I waited outside after the rain hoping the skies would clear up, but it remained heavilly clouded. I kept up with the updates from observers in Negros via txt and they were blessed with superb sky conditions to see the eclipse and the meteors that streaked by.

Later, gaps began to emerge and the red moon was revealed. I rushed to set up the camera to image the red moon. I was able to see the eclipsed moon till the end with occasional covering of clouds. I also failed to use the TravelScope 70 as lens attachment since the tripod that came with it couldn't hold the weight when pointed at the zenith.

 

Little Red Shinning Moon - An Eclipse Experience

Today was a wonderful experience for me since I was able to observe the first Total Lunar Eclipse of 2011. I was one of the participants in the RED MOON event at the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center (SDC) in the SM Mall of Asia. The event began with a film showing in the Planetarium at the SDC entitled Passport to the Universe. It was my first time at the SDC and I enjoyed the beautiful planetarium experience. Following the film showing was the lecture discussion by Dr. Armando Lee, the first Philippine produced astronomer and proprietor of the Astrocamp Observatory. Dr. Lee is a contact of mine in Astronomy via the web and it was the first time we met face-to-face. He even recognized me and called me by name which kinda made me feel very fortunate that evening. The lecture discussion covered details of the eclipse, why it happens and what we expect to see. After the lecture we were served pizza and drinks before proceeding to the Astrocamp Observatory in the SM By the Bay (San Miguel Boulevard). The Astronomical League of the Philippines (ALP) were already assembling their gear there to do some serious astrophotography. Some of them were contacts and facebook friends who, like Dr. Lee,I was able to meet face-to-face for the very first time. One of them was James Kevin Ty, president of ALP who was also able to recognize me. Also members of the media were there to cover the event; first was Bandila from ABS-CBN, followed by HERO, and then GMA.
I was even given a short interview by HERO, unfortunately I don't have cable to see it. While this was happening in MOA I was also in keeping contact with other observers: Erika Valdueza in Quezon City, and Greg Morales (proffesional photographer) and Nina Abiquibil (BS Physics) in their respective sites in Negros
I was also able to chat with Dr. Lee and his wife about astronomy, observing experiences, astrophotography and the dealings of a observatory such as the Astrocamp. Dr. Lee even allowed me to teach a bit of stargazing tricks to members of the SDC.

Aside from the wonderful RED MOON event, I was also able to purchase Firefly Books' MOONWATCH, a complete starter set for lunar observations. I got it in Booksale for only 40Php right after I got the ticket for the eclipse. Talk about coincidence and good fortune, God is so good! During the night of the REDMOON while waiting for the event to start, my heart's MVP started acting up from the excitement. I'm glad everything turned out alright.

We were able to have good sky conditions of the eclipse except during moonset around 10 degrees from the horizon. It was my first time to observe all the stages including the penumbral stage which is less visible. This isn't my first total lunar eclipse observation but so far this was the best! Like what D. Levy says in his book, don't keep a "been there, done that" attitude in astronomy because each observing experience is unique. Each new observation, especially with a new group, is a new learning experience - Astronomy, I love it!

photo by Greg Morales from Negros

with Dr. Armando Lee, giving my astropainting to him.

Moonwatch set at 40Php