Total lunar eclipse of June 2011

At this time of the year the nights are hardly noticable, as the sun is below the horizon for just a few hours – during which the sky never darkens enough for the stars to come out.

During this eclipse the rising moon was below the horizon during much of the totality, and I don’t think it was possible to see the entire totality unless on the open ocean or high in the mountains. I did’t take the chance as the weather was unstable with rain showers, and drove off to a wide open landscape just south of where I live (Ski, Follo).

Total lunar eclipse of June 2011
Only about 2-3 moon diametres was obscured during the rise – partly by a distant forest, partly by clouds. Totality was over at 23:03, and my first sight of the moon was at 23:23 (+2 UTC).

My position was otherwise perfect and to top if off I was showered with the most beautiful bird song from a Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris):

I’m amazed that this small bird is capabale of such complex, loud and continous singing. All others go quite as dusk deepens, that’s the beauty of the nocturnal singers – they have the soundscape all to themselves!

Total lunar eclipse of June 2011

Total lunar eclipse of June 2011

Total lunar eclipse of June 2011

Total lunar eclipse of June 2011

Total lunar eclipse of June 2011

1430, Norway

Last updated on 8 November 2024