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Lunar Eclipse Sat - Neptune Visible?

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15 years 7 months ago #72197 by Neill
Hi all,

As you know there is a partial lunar eclipse on sat evening. Neptune will lie 2 degrees to the West of the moon during eclipse. The question is will it be visible through binos or a small scope? Neptune is mag +8 roughly and when the moon is eclipsed, it is not as bright as normal, so would the moon's brightness be dimmed enough to observe Neptune? Do you guys think?

Neill

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15 years 7 months ago #72199 by Seanie_Morris
Replied by Seanie_Morris on topic Re:Lunar Eclipse Sat - Neptune Visible?
Not knowing definitively Neill what you are going to be able to see, I'd say it is relative. Down to your location on the planet at greatest eclipse to get maximum darkness, and then your seeing conditions. But, I also reckon if you have a large enough scope (6 inch reflector upwards methinks) then the task should be no problem anyway to spot Neptune at that magnitude close to the Moon.

Just my two cents,

Seanie

Midlands Astronomy Club.
Radio Presenter (Midlands 103), Space Enthusiast, Astronomy Outreach Co-ordinator.
Former IFAS Chairperson and Secretary.

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15 years 7 months ago #72233 by paulevans
Replied by paulevans on topic Re:Lunar Eclipse Sat - Neptune Visible?
The problem is that when the Moon is partially eclipsed it (and Neptune) will be very low in the sky - only a few degrees above the horizon. So although four Moon widths is plenty far enough away to be able to catch Neptune without it being tangled up in the Moon's glare, it will be harder to get through all the crud you'll be looking through.

Still definitely worth a look if the weather plays ball though!

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15 years 7 months ago #72238 by Frank Ryan
Replied by Frank Ryan on topic Re:Lunar Eclipse Sat - Neptune Visible?
Ooh.
Nice challenge!
I'm really starting to look forward to seeing a partially eclipsed moon rising!

My Astrophotography
Shannonside Astronomy Club __________________________________________
Meade ETX-125PE, Bresser 10 x 50 Binos & Me Peepers

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