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| type = total
| type = total
| image = February 2008 total lunar eclipse John Buonomo.jpg
| image = February 2008 total lunar eclipse John Buonomo.jpg
| caption = Telescopic view, from North Billerica, Massachusetts at 3:25 UT, near greatest eclipse.
| caption = Telescopic view, from [[North Billerica, Massachusetts]] at 3:25 UT, near greatest eclipse.
| date = 21 February 2008
| date = February 21, 2008
| gamma = -0.39923
| gamma = -0.3992
| magnitude = 1.10618
| magnitude = 1.1081
| saros_ser = 133
| saros_ser = 133
| saros_no = 26 of 71
| saros_no = 26 of 71
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| next = August 2008
| next = August 2008
}}
}}
A total [[lunar eclipse]] occurred at the Moon’s [[Lunar node|descending node]] of orbit on Thursday, February 21, 2008,<ref>{{cite web|title=February 20–21, 2008 Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon)|url=https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2008-february-21|publisher=timeanddate|access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref> with an umbral [[Magnitude of eclipse|magnitude]] of 1.1081. A lunar eclipse occurs when the [[Moon]] moves into the [[Earth's shadow]], causing the Moon to be darkened. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon's near side entirely passes into the Earth's umbral shadow. Unlike a [[solar eclipse]], which can only be viewed from a relatively small area of the world, a lunar eclipse may be viewed from anywhere on the [[night]] side of Earth. A total lunar eclipse can last up to nearly two hours, while a total solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes at any given place, because the Moon's [[Umbra, penumbra and antumbra|shadow]] is smaller. The Moon's apparent diameter was near the average diameter because it occurred 7.2 days after [[Apsis|perigee]] (on February 13, 2008, at 20:00 UTC) and 6.8 days before [[Apsis|apogee]] (on February 27, 2008, at 20:30 UTC).<ref>{{cite web|title=Moon Distances for London, United Kingdom, England|url=https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/distance.html?year=2007&n=136|publisher=timeanddate|access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref>


== Visibility ==
A '''total [[lunar eclipse]]''' occurred on February 20 and February 21, 2008. It was visible in the eastern evening sky on February 20 for all of [[North America|North]] and South America, and on February 21 in the predawn western sky from most of Africa and Europe. Greatest Eclipse occurring on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 03:26:03 UTC, totality lasting 49 minutes and 45.6 seconds.
The eclipse was completely visible over [[North America|North]] and [[South America]], [[west Africa]], and [[western Europe]], seen rising over much of the [[Pacific Ocean]] and setting over much of [[Africa]], [[eastern Europe]], and [[west Asia|west]], [[central Asia|central]], and [[south Asia]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Total Lunar Eclipse of 2008 Feb 21|url=https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2008Feb21T.pdf|publisher=NASA|access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref>


The bright star [[Regulus]] of [[Leo (constellation)|Leo]] and the planet [[Saturn]] were prominent very near the Moon during the total eclipse portion. Shortly before the eclipse began, Regulus was [[Occultation|occulted]] by the Moon in parts of the far Southern Atlantic Ocean and Antarctica.
Occurring 7.1 days after perigee (Perigee on February 14, 2008) and 6.9 days before apogee (Apogee on February 28, 2008), the Moon's apparent diameter was near the average diameter.


{| class=wikitable width=480
The total lunar eclipse was the first of the two lunar eclipses in 2008, with the second, the [[August 2008 lunar eclipse|August 16, 2008]] event being partial.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2008Aug16P.pdf title=Partial Lunar Eclipse of 16 Aug 2008 |website=eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov}}</ref> The next total lunar eclipse occurred on [[December 2010 lunar eclipse|December 21, 2010]]. The tables below contain detailed predictions and additional information on the Total Lunar Eclipse of 21 February 2008.
|[[File:Lunar eclipse from moon-2008Feb21.png|240px]]

|[[File:Lunar eclipse chart close-08feb20.png|240px]]<BR>Hourly motion shown right to left
The moon's apparent diameter was 26.2 arcseconds larger than the [[August 2008 lunar eclipse|August 16, 2008 partial lunar eclipse]].
|[[File:Lunar eclipse chart-08feb21.png|250px]]<BR>The Moon's hourly motion across the Earth's shadow in the constellation of [[Leo (constellation)|Leo]].

|- align=center
== [[Eclipse season]] ==
|colspan=3| [[File:Visibility Lunar Eclipse 2008-02-21.png|640px]]<BR>Visibility map

This is the second eclipse this season.

First eclipse this season: [[Solar eclipse of February 7, 2008|7 February 2008 Annular Solar Eclipse]]

Date = 21 February 2008
*Penumbral Magnitude = 2.14507
*Umbral Magnitude = 1.10618
*Gamma: -0.39923
*Greatest Eclipse: 21 Feb 2008 03:26:03.3 UTC (03:27:08.8 TD)
*Ecliptic Opposition: 21 Feb 2008 03:30:30.8 UTC (03:31:36.3 TD)
*Equatorial Opposition: 21 Feb 2008 03:48:25.7 UTC (03:49:31.2 TD)
*Sun right ascension: 22 hours, 15 minutes, 30.0 seconds
*Moon right ascension: 10 hours, 14 minutes, 48.5 seconds
*Earth's shadow right ascension: 10 hours, 15 minutes, 30.0 seconds
*Sun declination: 10 degrees, 48 minutes, 31.3 seconds south of Celestial Equator
*Moon declination: 10 degrees, 28 minutes, 7.6 seconds north of Celestial Equator
*Earth's shadow declination: 10 degrees, 48 minutes, 31.3 seconds north of Celestial Equator
*Sun diameter: 1941.0 arcseconds
*Moon diameter: 1868.4 arcseconds
*Penumbra diameter: 2 degrees, 1684.08 arcseconds (8884.08 arcseconds)
*Umbra diameter: 1 degree, 1402.56 arcseconds (5002.56 arcseconds)
*Saros Series: 133rd (26 of 71)
*Node: Descending Node

== Viewing ==
[[File:2008-02-21 Lunar Eclipse Sketch.png|thumb|right|NASA chart of the eclipse]]
The eclipse was visible in the eastern evening sky on February 20 for all of North and South America, and on February 21 in the predawn western sky from most of Africa and Europe.
{{Lunarsaros133_db|LunarEclipse visibility|200802}}

The penumbral eclipse began at 00:35 [[UTC]] (February 21), and ended at 6:17. A partial eclipse existed from 1:43 until 3:00, followed by 51 minutes of totality (3:00 - 3:51), and then partial again from 3:51 until 5:09. (For local times, see [[#Timing|Timing]].)

It is possible to mistake the appearance of partial eclipse as the moon being in a different [[Lunar phase|phase]], but the shadow from the eclipse changes much more rapidly.<ref>http://www.spaceweather.com/eclipses/20feb08e/John-Doukoumopoulos2.jpg {{Bare URL image|date=March 2022}}</ref>

The bright star [[Regulus]] of [[Leo (constellation)|Leo]] and the planet [[Saturn]] were prominent very near the moon during the total eclipse portion. Shortly before the eclipse began, Regulus was [[Occultation|occulted]] by the moon in parts of the far Southern Atlantic Ocean and Antarctica.

===Map===
[[File:Visibility Lunar Eclipse 2008-02-21.png|480px]]

==Relation to other lunar eclipses==
=== Eclipses of 2008 ===
* [[Solar eclipse of February 7, 2008|An annular solar eclipse on February 7]].
* A total lunar eclipse on February 21.
* [[Solar eclipse of August 1, 2008|A total solar eclipse on August 1]].
* [[August 2008 lunar eclipse|A partial lunar eclipse on August 16]].

=== Lunar year series ===
{{Lunar eclipse set 2006-2009}}

=== Saros series ===

This lunar eclipse is part of series 133 of the [[Saros cycle]], which repeats every 18 years and 11 days. Series 133 runs from the year 1557 until 2819. The previous eclipse of this series occurred on February 9, 1990 and the next will occur on March 3, 2026.

It is the 6th of 21 total lunar eclipses in series 133. The first was on December 28, 1917. The last (21st) will be on August 3, 2278. The longest two occurrences of this series (14th and 15th) will last for a total of 1 hour and 42 minutes on May 18, 2152 and May 30, 2170. [[Solar Saros 140|Solar saros 140]] interleaves with this lunar saros with an event occurring every 9 years 5 days alternating between each saros series.

{{Lunar Saros 133 summary}}

=== Metonic cycle (19 years) ===

This is the fourth of five Metonic lunar eclipses.

{{Metonic lunar eclipse 1951-2027}}

=== Half-Saros cycle ===
A lunar eclipse will be preceded and followed by solar eclipses by 9 years and 5.5 days (a [[Saros (astronomy)#Relationship between lunar and solar saros .28sar.29|half saros]]).<ref>Mathematical Astronomy Morsels, Jean Meeus, p.110, Chapter 18, ''The half-saros''</ref> This lunar eclipse is related to two annular solar eclipses of [[Solar Saros 140]].

{| class=wikitable
![[Solar eclipse of February 16, 1999|February 16, 1999]]
![[Solar eclipse of February 26, 2017|February 26, 2017]]
|-
|[[File:SE1999Feb16A.png|240px]]
|[[File:SE2017Feb26A.png|240px]]
|}
|}


==Timing==
== Timing ==
The moon entered the [[penumbra|penumbral shadow]] at 0:36 [[UTC]], and the [[umbra|umbral shadow]] at 1:43. Totality lasted for 50 minutes, between 3:01 and 3:51. The moon left the umbra shadow at 5:09 and left the penumbra shadow at 6:16.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2008Feb21T.pdf|title=Total lunar eclipse of 2008 Feb 21|date=2008-02-21|publisher=[[NASA]]}} Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFC</ref>
The Moon entered the [[penumbra|penumbral shadow]] at 0:36 [[UTC]], and the [[umbra|umbral shadow]] at 1:43. Totality lasted for 50 minutes, between 3:01 and 3:51. The Moon left the umbra shadow at 5:09 and left the penumbra shadow at 6:16.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2008Feb21T.pdf|title=Total lunar eclipse of 2008 Feb 21|date=2008-02-21|publisher=[[NASA]]}} Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFC</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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|}
|}


==Photo gallery==
== Images ==
{{Lunarsaros133_db|LunarEclipse visibility|200802}}
[[File:2008-02-21 Lunar Eclipse Sketch.png|thumb|left|NASA chart of the eclipse]]
{{clear}}

== Gallery ==
<!-- Please make all times standardised to UTC/GMT for continuities sake -->
<!-- Please make all times standardised to UTC/GMT for continuities sake -->


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| colspan=2 align=center|<br />Lunar eclipse observed from [[Burlington, Ontario]]
| colspan=2 align=center|<br />Lunar eclipse observed from [[Burlington, Ontario]]
|-
|-
| colspan=2 align=center|[[Image:Feb 20 08 Eclipse Merge.jpg|640px]]<br />Observed from [[Baltimore, Maryland]] from 2:30 to 3:01 UTC. Lunar north is near left.
| colspan=2 align=center|[[Image:Feb 20 08 Eclipse Merge.jpg|640px]]<br />Observed from [[Baltimore, Maryland]], from 2:30 to 3:01 UTC. Lunar north is near left.
|}
|}


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<gallery widths="140px" heights="100px" style="margin:2px auto;" perrow="3">
<gallery widths="140px" heights="100px" style="margin:2px auto;" perrow="3">
Image:Lunar_Eclipse_Burlington_Ontario.jpg|Eclipse Observed from [[Burlington, Ontario]] at 2:00 UTC.
Image:Lunar_Eclipse_Burlington_Ontario.jpg|Eclipse Observed from [[Burlington, Ontario]], at 2:00 UTC.


Image:Lunar Eclipse 200802210349.png|Eclipse observed from [[Victoria, British Columbia]] at 2:49 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.
Image:Lunar Eclipse 200802210349.png|Eclipse observed from [[Victoria, British Columbia]], at 2:49 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.


Image:Lunar Eclipse 200802210356.png|Eclipse observed from Victoria, British Columbia at 2:56 UTC, just prior to total. Lunar north is near top-left.
Image:Lunar Eclipse 200802210356.png|Eclipse observed from Victoria, British Columbia at 2:56 UTC, just prior to total. Lunar north is near top-left.
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Image:Eclipse_2007.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Salem, Oregon]]. Lunar north is near top-left.
Image:Eclipse_2007.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Salem, Oregon]]. Lunar north is near top-left.


Image:Eclipse08_Urbana.jpg|Observed from [[Urbana, Illinois]] at 3:06 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.
Image:Eclipse08_Urbana.jpg|Observed from [[Urbana, Illinois]], at 3:06 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.


Image:Lunar Eclipse 2008-02-20 Boulder.jpg|Observed from [[Boulder, Colorado]] at 4:17 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left. [[Mare Humorum]] appears at bottom, [[Tycho (crater)|Tycho's rays]] at bottom right.
Image:Lunar Eclipse 2008-02-20 Boulder.jpg|Observed from [[Boulder, Colorado]], at 4:17 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left. [[Mare Humorum]] appears at bottom, [[Tycho (crater)|Tycho's rays]] at bottom right.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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<gallery widths="140px" heights="100px" style="margin:2px auto;" perrow="4">
<gallery widths="140px" heights="100px" style="margin:2px auto;" perrow="4">
Image:February 21, 2008 lunar eclipse, West Hartford, CT, 1-42 UTC.jpg|Moon observed from [[West Hartford, Connecticut]] at 1:42 UTC. Lunar north is left.
Image:February 21, 2008 lunar eclipse, West Hartford, CT, 1-42 UTC.jpg|Moon observed from [[West Hartford, Connecticut]], at 1:42 UTC. Lunar north is left.


Image:21 Feb 2008 lunar eclipse totality.JPG|Eclipse observed from [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] at 2:49 UTC.
Image:21 Feb 2008 lunar eclipse totality.JPG|Eclipse observed from [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], at 2:49 UTC.


Image:Lunar eclipse February 21, 2008, Millersville, PA.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Millersville, Pennsylvania]] at 3:15 UTC. Lunar north is near left.
Image:Lunar eclipse February 21, 2008, Millersville, PA.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Millersville, Pennsylvania]], at 3:15 UTC. Lunar north is near left.


Image:Image-February 21, 2008 lunar eclipse and stars, West Hartford, CT, 3-17 UTC.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[West Hartford, Connecticut]] at 3:17 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.
Image:Image-February 21, 2008 lunar eclipse and stars, West Hartford, CT, 3-17 UTC.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[West Hartford, Connecticut]], at 3:17 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.


Image:February 21, 2008 lunar eclipse, West Hartford, CT, 3-18 UTC.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[West Hartford, Connecticut]] at 3:18 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.
Image:February 21, 2008 lunar eclipse, West Hartford, CT, 3-18 UTC.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[West Hartford, Connecticut]], at 3:18 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.


Image:Lunar eclipse 20 Feb 2008 totality 2.JPG|Eclipse observed from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 3:36 UTC. Lunar north is top-left.
Image:Lunar eclipse 20 Feb 2008 totality 2.JPG|Eclipse observed from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 3:36 UTC. Lunar north is top-left.


Image:Eric_Kilby_-_1052_PM_-_totality_ends_(by-sa).jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Wellesley, Massachusetts]] at 3:52 UTC
Image:Eric_Kilby_-_1052_PM_-_totality_ends_(by-sa).jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Wellesley, Massachusetts]], at 3:52 UTC


Image:Lunar_Eclipse_Feb_20_2008_By_Andrew_Mussey2.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Fredericksburg, Virginia]] at 3:57 UTC.
Image:Lunar_Eclipse_Feb_20_2008_By_Andrew_Mussey2.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Fredericksburg, Virginia]], at 3:57 UTC.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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<gallery widths="140px" heights="100px" style="margin:2px auto;" perrow="3">
<gallery widths="140px" heights="100px" style="margin:2px auto;" perrow="3">
Image:2008-02-21 Lunar Eclipse Rostock Germany.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Rostock, Germany]] at 1:50 UTC. Lunar north is near top.
Image:2008-02-21 Lunar Eclipse Rostock Germany.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Rostock, Germany]], at 1:50 UTC. Lunar north is near top.


Image:Lunareclipse21022007.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Sasolburg]], South Africa - around 2:55 UTC. Lunar north is right.
Image:Lunareclipse21022008.jpg|Eclipse observed from [[Sasolburg]], South Africa - around 2:55 UTC. Lunar north is right.


Image:Moon_eclipse,Praga,21.2.2008.png|Eclipse observed from [[Prague, Czech Republic]] at 3:41 UTC
Image:Moon_eclipse,Praga,21.2.2008.png|Eclipse observed from [[Prague, Czech Republic]] at 3:41 UTC
</gallery>
</gallery>

== Eclipse details ==
Shown below is a table displaying details about this particular solar eclipse. It describes various parameters pertaining to this eclipse.<ref>{{cite web|title=Total Lunar Eclipse of 2008 Feb 21|url=https://eclipsewise.com/lunar/LEprime/2001-2100/LE2008Feb21Tprime.html|publisher=EclipseWise.com|access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" align="{{{align|left}}}" style="margin:{{#ifeq:{{{align}}}|right|0 0 0.5em 1em|0 1em 0.5em 0}}"
|+February 21, 2008 Lunar Eclipse Parameters
! Parameter
! Value
|-
| Penumbral Magnitude
| 2.14698
|-
| Umbral Magnitude
| 1.10809
|-
| Gamma
| -0.39923
|-
| Sun Right Ascension
| 22h15m30.0s
|-
| Sun Declination
| -10°48'31.3"
|-
| Sun Semi-Diameter
| 16'10.5"
|-
| Sun Equatorial Horizontal Parallax
| 08.9"
|-
| Moon Right Ascension
| 10h14m48.5s
|-
| Moon Declination
| +10°28'07.6"
|-
| Moon Semi-Diameter
| 15'34.2"
|-
| Moon Equatorial Horizontal Parallax
| 0°57'08.5"
|-
| ΔT
| 65.5 s
|}
{{clear}}

== Eclipse season ==
{{See also|Eclipse cycle}}
This eclipse is part of an [[eclipse season]], a period, roughly every six months, when eclipses occur. Only two (or occasionally three) eclipse seasons occur each year, and each season lasts about 35 days and repeats just short of six months (173 days) later; thus two full eclipse seasons always occur each year. Either two or three eclipses happen each eclipse season. In the sequence below, each eclipse is separated by a [[fortnight]].

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Eclipse season of February 2008
! [[Solar eclipse of February 7, 2008|February 7]]<br/>Ascending node (new moon)<br/> !! February 21<br/>Descending node (full moon)<br/>
|-
| [[File:SE2008Feb07A.png|200px]] || [[File:Lunar eclipse chart close-08feb20.png|200px]]
|- align=center
| [[Total eclipse#Types|Annular solar eclipse]]<br />Solar Saros 121 || [[Lunar eclipse#Types of lunar eclipse|Total lunar eclipse]]<br />Lunar Saros 133
|}

== Related eclipses ==
=== Eclipses in 2008 ===
* [[Solar eclipse of February 7, 2008|An annular solar eclipse on February 7]].
* '''A total lunar eclipse on February 21.'''
* [[Solar eclipse of August 1, 2008|A total solar eclipse on August 1]].
* [[August 2008 lunar eclipse|A partial lunar eclipse on August 16]].

=== Metonic ===
* Preceded by: [[May 2004 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of May 4, 2004]]
* Followed by: [[December 2011 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of December 10, 2011]]

=== Tzolkinex ===
* Preceded by: [[January 2001 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of January 9, 2001]]
* Followed by: [[April 2015 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of April 4, 2015]]

=== Half-Saros ===
* Preceded by: [[Solar eclipse of February 16, 1999]]
* Followed by: [[Solar eclipse of February 26, 2017]]

=== Tritos ===
* Preceded by: [[March 1997 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of March 24, 1997]]
* Followed by: [[January 2019 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of January 21, 2019]]

=== Lunar Saros 133 ===
* Preceded by: [[February 1990 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of February 9, 1990]]
* Followed by: [[March 2026 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of March 3, 2026]]

=== Inex ===
* Preceded by: [[March 1979 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of March 13, 1979]]
* Followed by: [[January 2037 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of January 31, 2037]]

=== Triad ===
* Preceded by: [[April 1921 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of April 22, 1921]]
* Followed by: [[December 2094 lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse of December 21, 2094]]

=== Lunar eclipses of 2006–2009 ===
{{Lunar eclipse set 2006-2009}}

=== Saros 133 ===

This lunar eclipse is part of series 133 of the [[Saros cycle]], which repeats every 18 years and 11 days. Series 133 runs from the year 1557 until 2819. The previous eclipse of this series occurred on February 9, 1990, and the next will occur on March 3, 2026.

It is the 6th of 21 total lunar eclipses in series 133. The first was on December 28, 1917. The last (21st) will be on August 3, 2278. The longest two occurrences of this series (14th and 15th) will last for a total of 1 hour and 42 minutes on May 18, 2152, and May 30, 2170. [[Solar Saros 140|Solar saros 140]] interleaves with this lunar saros with an event occurring every 9 years 5 days alternating between each saros series.

{{Lunar Saros 133 summary}}

=== Metonic series ===

This is the fourth of five Metonic lunar eclipses.

{{Metonic lunar eclipse 1951-2027}}

=== Half-Saros cycle ===
A lunar eclipse will be preceded and followed by solar eclipses by 9 years and 5.5 days (a [[Saros (astronomy)#Relationship between lunar and solar saros .28sar.29|half saros]]).<ref>Mathematical Astronomy Morsels, Jean Meeus, p.110, Chapter 18, ''The half-saros''</ref> This lunar eclipse is related to two annular solar eclipses of [[Solar Saros 140]].

{| class=wikitable
![[Solar eclipse of February 16, 1999|February 16, 1999]]
![[Solar eclipse of February 26, 2017|February 26, 2017]]
|-
|[[File:SE1999Feb16A.png|240px]]
|[[File:SE2017Feb26A.png|240px]]
|}


==See also==
==See also==
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** NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day: [http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap080220.html February 20, 2008], [http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap080222.html February 22, 2008] [http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap080301.html March 1, 2008]
** NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day: [http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap080220.html February 20, 2008], [http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap080222.html February 22, 2008] [http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap080301.html March 1, 2008]
** [https://archive.today/20070527164418/http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/12886312.html Sky&Telescope, Eclipses of 2008]
** [https://archive.today/20070527164418/http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/12886312.html Sky&Telescope, Eclipses of 2008]
** [http://www.1nikon.com/public/lunar_eclipse_feb_20_08/index.html Example Images from Dr. Eric S. Ackerman - Fort Lauderdale, Florida]
** [http://www.1nikon.com/public/lunar_eclipse_feb_20_08/index.html Example Images from Dr. Eric S. Ackerman - Fort Lauderdale, Florida] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226020518/http://www.1nikon.com/public/lunar_eclipse_feb_20_08/index.html |date=26 February 2008 }}
** [http://www.astronight.com/022008/index.htm Various Animations of the Eclipse Astronight Observatory - Billerica MA]
** [http://www.astronight.com/022008/index.htm Various Animations of the Eclipse Astronight Observatory - Billerica MA]
** [http://www.spaceweather.com/eclipses/gallery_20feb08.htm SpaceWeather Lunar Eclipse Photo Gallery: February 20, 2008]
** [http://www.spaceweather.com/eclipses/gallery_20feb08.htm SpaceWeather Lunar Eclipse Photo Gallery: February 20, 2008]

Latest revision as of 09:45, 27 December 2024

February 2008 lunar eclipse
Total eclipse
Telescopic view, from North Billerica, Massachusetts at 3:25 UT, near greatest eclipse.
DateFebruary 21, 2008
Gamma−0.3992
Magnitude1.1081
Saros cycle133 (26 of 71)
Totality49 minutes, 46 seconds
Partiality205 minutes, 28 seconds
Penumbral339 minutes, 3 seconds
Contacts (UTC)
P100:36:34
U101:43:17
U203:01:09
Greatest03:26:03
U303:50:55
U405:08:45
P406:15:37

A total lunar eclipse occurred at the Moon’s descending node of orbit on Thursday, February 21, 2008,[1] with an umbral magnitude of 1.1081. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow, causing the Moon to be darkened. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon's near side entirely passes into the Earth's umbral shadow. Unlike a solar eclipse, which can only be viewed from a relatively small area of the world, a lunar eclipse may be viewed from anywhere on the night side of Earth. A total lunar eclipse can last up to nearly two hours, while a total solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes at any given place, because the Moon's shadow is smaller. The Moon's apparent diameter was near the average diameter because it occurred 7.2 days after perigee (on February 13, 2008, at 20:00 UTC) and 6.8 days before apogee (on February 27, 2008, at 20:30 UTC).[2]

Visibility

[edit]

The eclipse was completely visible over North and South America, west Africa, and western Europe, seen rising over much of the Pacific Ocean and setting over much of Africa, eastern Europe, and west, central, and south Asia.[3]

The bright star Regulus of Leo and the planet Saturn were prominent very near the Moon during the total eclipse portion. Shortly before the eclipse began, Regulus was occulted by the Moon in parts of the far Southern Atlantic Ocean and Antarctica.


Hourly motion shown right to left
The Moon's hourly motion across the Earth's shadow in the constellation of Leo.

Visibility map

Timing

[edit]

The Moon entered the penumbral shadow at 0:36 UTC, and the umbral shadow at 1:43. Totality lasted for 50 minutes, between 3:01 and 3:51. The Moon left the umbra shadow at 5:09 and left the penumbra shadow at 6:16.[4]

Total Lunar Eclipse[5]
Event North and South America Europe and Africa
Evening of February 20th Morning of February 21st
AKST
(-9h) 		PST
(-8h) 		MST
(-7h) 		CST
(-6h) 		EST
(-5h) 		AST
(-4h) 		GMT
(0h) 		CET
(+1h) 		EET
(+2h)
P1 Penumbral began Under Horizon Under Horizon Under Horizon 18:36 19:36 20:36 0:36 1:36 2:36
U1 Partial began Under Horizon Under Horizon 18:43 19:43 20:43 21:43 1:43 2:43 3:43
U2 Total began Under Horizon 19:01 20:01 21:01 22:01 23:01 3:01 4:01 5:01
Mid-eclipse 18:26 19:26 20:26 21:26 22:26 23:26 3:26 4:26 5:26
U3 Total ended 18:51 19:51 20:51 21:51 22:51 23:51 3:51 4:51 Set
U4 Partial ended 20:09 21:09 22:09 23:09 0:09 1:09 5:09 Set Set

Images

[edit]

These simulated views of the Earth from the center of the Moon during the lunar eclipse show where the eclipse is visible on Earth.
NASA chart of the eclipse
[edit]

Composites

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Eclipse observed from Sandim, Portugal. 41°02′22″N 8°30′50″W / 41.03944°N 8.51389°W / 41.03944; -8.51389.
Eclipse observed from Regina, Saskatchewan. Each image is roughly taken 5 minutes apart.

Images taken in 3-5 minute Intervals - from Bradley, Illinois.
Eclipse observed from Halton Hills, Ontario. From 01:47 to 03:15 UTC, each image is roughly taken 5min apart.

Eclipse observed from Winnipeg, Manitoba

Lunar eclipse observed from Burlington, Ontario

Observed from Baltimore, Maryland, from 2:30 to 3:01 UTC. Lunar north is near left.

North America

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Canada

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  • Eclipse Observed from Burlington, Ontario, at 2:00 UTC.
    Eclipse Observed from Burlington, Ontario, at 2:00 UTC.
  • Eclipse observed from Victoria, British Columbia, at 2:49 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.
    Eclipse observed from Victoria, British Columbia, at 2:49 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.
  • Eclipse observed from Victoria, British Columbia at 2:56 UTC, just prior to total. Lunar north is near top-left.
    Eclipse observed from Victoria, British Columbia at 2:56 UTC, just prior to total. Lunar north is near top-left.
  • Eclipse observed from Salmon Arm, Canada at 3:11 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.
    Eclipse observed from Salmon Arm, Canada at 3:11 UTC. Lunar north is near top-left.
  • Eclipse observed from Burlington, Ontario at 4:05 UTC.
    Eclipse observed from Burlington, Ontario at 4:05 UTC.

USA (west)

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USA (east)

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South America

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Europe and Africa

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Eclipse details

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Shown below is a table displaying details about this particular solar eclipse. It describes various parameters pertaining to this eclipse.[6]

February 21, 2008 Lunar Eclipse Parameters
Parameter Value
Penumbral Magnitude 2.14698
Umbral Magnitude 1.10809
Gamma -0.39923
Sun Right Ascension 22h15m30.0s
Sun Declination -10°48'31.3"
Sun Semi-Diameter 16'10.5"
Sun Equatorial Horizontal Parallax 08.9"
Moon Right Ascension 10h14m48.5s
Moon Declination +10°28'07.6"
Moon Semi-Diameter 15'34.2"
Moon Equatorial Horizontal Parallax 0°57'08.5"
ΔT 65.5 s

Eclipse season

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See also: Eclipse cycle

This eclipse is part of an eclipse season, a period, roughly every six months, when eclipses occur. Only two (or occasionally three) eclipse seasons occur each year, and each season lasts about 35 days and repeats just short of six months (173 days) later; thus two full eclipse seasons always occur each year. Either two or three eclipses happen each eclipse season. In the sequence below, each eclipse is separated by a fortnight.

Eclipse season of February 2008
February 7
Ascending node (new moon)
 February 21
Descending node (full moon)
Annular solar eclipse
Solar Saros 121		 Total lunar eclipse
Lunar Saros 133
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Eclipses in 2008

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Metonic

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Tzolkinex

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Half-Saros

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Tritos

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Lunar Saros 133

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Inex

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Triad

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Lunar eclipses of 2006–2009

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Lunar eclipse series sets from 2006–2009
Descending node   Ascending node
Saros #
and photo 		Date
Viewing 		Type
Chart 		Gamma Saros #
and photo 		Date
Viewing 		Type
Chart 		Gamma
113
 2006 Mar 14
 penumbral
 1.0211 118
 2006 Sep 7
 partial
 −0.9262
123
 2007 Mar 03
 total
 0.3175 128
 2007 Aug 28
 total
 −0.2146
133
 2008 Feb 21
 total
 −0.3992 138
 2008 Aug 16
 partial
 0.5646
143
 2009 Feb 09
 penumbral
 −1.0640 148
 2009 Aug 06
 penumbral
 1.3572
Last set 2005 Apr 24 Last set 2005 Oct 17
Next set 2009 Dec 31 Next set 2009 Jul 07


Saros 133

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This lunar eclipse is part of series 133 of the Saros cycle, which repeats every 18 years and 11 days. Series 133 runs from the year 1557 until 2819. The previous eclipse of this series occurred on February 9, 1990, and the next will occur on March 3, 2026.

It is the 6th of 21 total lunar eclipses in series 133. The first was on December 28, 1917. The last (21st) will be on August 3, 2278. The longest two occurrences of this series (14th and 15th) will last for a total of 1 hour and 42 minutes on May 18, 2152, and May 30, 2170. Solar saros 140 interleaves with this lunar saros with an event occurring every 9 years 5 days alternating between each saros series.

Lunar saros series 133, repeating every 18 years and 11 days, has a total of 71 lunar eclipse events including 54 umbral lunar eclipses (33 partial lunar eclipses and 21 total lunar eclipses).

Greatest First

The greatest eclipse of the series will occur on 2170 May 30, lasting 102 minutes.

[7]

Penumbral Partial Total Central
1557 May 13
 1683 Aug 07
 1917 Dec 28
 2098 Apr 15
Last
Central Total Partial Penumbral
2224 Jul 01
 2278 Aug 03
 2429 Dec 11
 2754 Jun 26

There are 10 series events between 1901 and 2100, grouped into threes (called an exeligmos), each column with approximately the same viewing longitude on Earth.

1901–2100
1917 Dec 28 1936 Jan 08 1954 Jan 19
1972 Jan 30 1990 Feb 09 2008 Feb 21
2026 Mar 03 2044 Mar 13 2062 Mar 25
2080 Apr 04 2098 Apr 15

Metonic series

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This is the fourth of five Metonic lunar eclipses.

The Metonic cycle repeats nearly exactly every 19 years and represents a Saros cycle plus one lunar year. Because it occurs on the same calendar date, the Earth's shadow will in nearly the same location relative to the background stars.

Metonic lunar eclipse sets 1951–2027
Descending node   Ascending node
Saros Date Type Saros Date Type
103 1951 Feb 21.88 Penumbral 108 1951 Aug 17.13 Penumbral
113 1970 Feb 21.35 Partial 118 1970 Aug 17.14 Partial
123 1989 Feb 20.64 Total 128 1989 Aug 17.13 Total
133 2008 Feb 21.14 Total 138 2008 Aug 16.88 Partial
143 2027 Feb 20.96 Penumbral 148 2027 Aug 17.30 Penumbral

Half-Saros cycle

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A lunar eclipse will be preceded and followed by solar eclipses by 9 years and 5.5 days (a half saros).[8] This lunar eclipse is related to two annular solar eclipses of Solar Saros 140.

February 16, 1999 February 26, 2017

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ "February 20–21, 2008 Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon)". timeanddate. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Moon Distances for London, United Kingdom, England". timeanddate. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  3. ^ "Total Lunar Eclipse of 2008 Feb 21" (PDF). NASA. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  4. ^ "Total lunar eclipse of 2008 Feb 21" (PDF). NASA. 21 February 2008. Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFC
  5. ^ "NASA - Total Lunar Eclipse: February 20, 2008". 2008. Archived from the original on 21 February 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  6. ^ "Total Lunar Eclipse of 2008 Feb 21". EclipseWise.com. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  7. ^ "NASA - Catalog of Lunar Eclipses in Saros 133". eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  8. ^ Mathematical Astronomy Morsels, Jean Meeus, p.110, Chapter 18, The half-saros
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