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Total Lunar Eclipse Turns Out to Be a Damp Squib

Posted on: Wednesday, 5 May 2004, 06:00 CDT

The near total eclipse of the moon as seen in Athens, Greece, yesterday

THEY had hoped to see the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse, but in the end the clouds had other ideas.

People attending the Irish Astronomical Association's event at Carnfunnock Park, Drain's Bay, Co Antrim, last night spent most of the time under umbrellas or in the visitors' centre.

A blanket of cloud covered the moon, preventing them from viewing the lunar eclipse.

And although heavy showers persisted they didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirit.

Dominic Boyd, a member of the association, arrived at the park well over an hour before the eclipse was due in order to set up his telescope.

He said: "The sky was very clear when we got here but it has just got continually worse.

"But then you have to expect it from time to time especially with the Northern Ireland weather."

Roy and Shelia Hennings, from Larne, were determined to stay in case they might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse.

Others raced off to Holywood and Bangor where, they had heard, the skies were clearer in the hope of seeing the eclipse, while a group of women standing under umbrellas sang 'The White Cliffs of Dover'.

But unfortunately nothing could change the weather conditions and while the association's president, Andy McCrea, was obviously disappointed, he hoped there would be better opportunities at the next lunar eclipse on October 28.

"At least with a lunar eclipse people will have a chance to see them again as usually two occur each year. So it is fortunate that this wasn't a once in a lifetime experience, unlike the transition of Venus, which was last seen in 1882 and is due to take place on June 8 this year."

The Irish Astronomical Association has organised another public event to view the transition in Botanic Gardens.

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