About 200 people gathered in the Phoenix Park in Dublin last night to view the total eclipse of the Moon accompanied by a running commentary from members of Astronomy Ireland.
Having waited since 6.30 p.m. near the Papal Cross in mostly overcast conditions, the dedicated were rewarded when the first shadows of the Earth began to creep across the Moon, around 7.50 p.m. The full lunar eclipse, which was to have left the Moon visible only as a reddish blob as the Earth moved between it and the Sun, was only rarely visible, however, as the cloud cover remained.
Eclipse-watchers were kept entertained by Mr David Moore of Astronomy Ireland who recited tales from history of empires falling and wars being lost due to superstitions surrounding the eclipse.
As the mid-eclipse point arrived at about 8.20 p.m. watchers were told the Moon was high at 35 degrees east. It was also the last total lunar eclipse visible from these islands for two years: the next is expected on May 16th, 2003. Even that eclipse would be after 3 a.m., and so last night was something of a special occasion in eclipse terms as it occurred at sociable hours.
"If we see it," muttered one man looking dolefully towards the lights of the city.
"Don't mind the clouds. We've seen the shadow here earlier," said Mr Moore, adding: "We don't trust the weather forecast. We never trust the weather at all."
Astronomy Ireland will be at the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin tomorrow, Friday and Saturday, where further information on the eclipse and its significance may be obtained, he said. The eclipse was also visible last night in Britain, as well as Europe, Africa and Asia. The sightings were expected to be restricted only by the weather. About 1,500 white witches were planning to gather in Britain, Sweden, Iceland, France, Canada and Austria during the eclipse to ward off any doom it might bring, the BBC reported.
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