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Last night a lunar eclipse was seen over most of Europe including Spain where the clear air and cloudless sky made photographing the event an easy task for amateurs and professionals alike. This image was taken when the moon was fully hidden by the shadow of the earth causing the moon to appear a dull red. "delight to Copernicus and anyone since"
The colour is due to the light of the moon coming from the earth rather than the sun.
The total lunar eclipse, the first in 2½ years, could be viewed along the east coast of Canada and the United States, as well as South Africa, Europe and much of Asia.
To some the arrival of an eclipse is viewed as an omen of the future good or bad depending upon the events in process. The word itself comes from Greek and means to disappear.
Nickolaus Copernicus was a Polish mathematician who in the early 16th century recognised the mathematical certainty and predictability of the moon and stars leading to th acceptance of the earth orbiting the sun. He did not believe in omens.
If you missed it, the next lunar eclipse is in 2029...
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