[meteorite-list] Eclipse, Luna, 16 Psyche & NWA 011

From: MexicoDoug <MexicoDoug_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 18:24:52 -0600
Message-ID: <024801c75d2b$0fd14ba0$f0068cc9_at_0019110394>

Dear List,

Thanks Gary for the Lunar eclipse reminder. Normally a Full Moon (which is
the only time Lunar eclipses occur) is bad news for asteroid chasers,
because, the sky is wiped out by the light reflected off the moons surface
the whole night allowing the lovers among us though to cast romantic shadows
in reasonably dark locations at night home on earth.

HOWEVER, it's time to celebrate we have a lunar eclipse, when suddenly the
Milky Way is umbrally coaxed out of the shadows and a cornucopia of objects
in the sky with it.

Asteroid (16) Psyche was to be victim of the Full Moon this month. Psyche's
opposition is uncannily matched to the exact moment of Full Moon. Since
both Psyche and Luna are in the Solar Plane fairly well, no the moon won't
be eclipsing her --- but almost!

And that brings the great opportunity. From 19:30 - 21:00 UT (London time),
or so, Psyche will be a Lunar diameter or less away from the Moon. Minutes
later, starting around 22:45 UT the eclipse will be full and Psyche still
roughly that close from the full moon. This is the moment for European
amigos and very Eastern Americas. Psyche will be at magnitude 10.2, the
brightest she gets, and if you have dark skies you can see and photograph
her and the Moon together cuddled up between Leo's paws.

What does this have to do with NWA 011? That fascinating 'eucrite' like
kilogram of stuff (incl.pairs) that's not Vestan? Well let me direct you to
David Weir's page on NWA 011,
http://www.meteoritestudies.com/protected_NWA011.HTM where David mentions
that Psyche is a good possible match for NWA 011 and I believe gives
references include this. Normally Psyche is a heck of a lot dimmer. You'll
need better than 10x50mm binoculars to see her, but if you have good eyes
and location, you might even see her with them (despite the Lunar
interference).

I'm not in the luck part of the world to see two achondrite parents for the
price of one, but last weekend I can happily say that we saw Psyche for the
first time at 4:00AM CST on February 25. Somebody got a very special gift
of NWA 011 at that precise moment - and was also very appreciative that
David has so much nice information to further appreciate our meteorites on
his website. Thanks, David!

I hope someone take the time during this emotional event of chance, to
"Shoot the Moon", and Psyche, happily together, in their time exposures,
intentional or not!!!

Best wishes and Health, Viva NWA 011!
Doug


----- Original Message -----
From: "Gary K. Foote" <gary at webbers.com>
To: <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 4:57 PM
Subject: [meteorite-list] Total Lunar Eclipse


> TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE: Set aside some time this weekend for sky watching.
> On Saturday night, March 3rd, there's going to be a total eclipse of the
> Moon. This means the Moon will glide through the heart of Earth's shadow
> and turn a beautiful shade of sunset red. Totality can be seen from parts
> of all seven continents including all of Europe and Africa and the eastern
> half of North America.
>
> Visit http://spaceweather.com for observing tips, maps and links to live
> webcasts.
> ______________________________________________
> Meteorite-list mailing list
> Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
> http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
>
Received on Fri 02 Mar 2007 07:24:52 PM PST