Full Lunar Eclipse

Notwithstanding conflicting media reports as to the onset time and expected duration of tonights eclipse we couldn't have asked for better viewing conditions. Zero cloud cover, low humidity, frigid temperatures (-15C), with a bonus of no wind which made extended viewing possible.

We were heading out to an area meeting tonight and I announced before we left that by the time the meeting was over the eclipse would have started. Sure enough when we loaded back on the bus at 9 it was underway and during the drive the guys were commenting on it periodically. 20 drunks and druggies crowding to one side of the bus..... quite a sight. Time and again the same sorts of comments - I'm glad you mentioned it; happy to see it; if I'd been using I wouldn't have cared, noticed, given a damn; how many people do you suppose are all watching this now?

Back at the centre the guys were taking turns popping out into the cold to check it out and update the others as to how it was progressing. A couple were frustrated that they had to go to bed before it was finished; it wasn't complete until 12:15. During the complete eclipse phase the moon took on a distinct reddish tinge and I was still able to discern some of the lunar features. By the time it was near done the moon, Saturn and a bright star had swung into a perfect tight triangle - something to see.