LAGOS—Sky watchers and observers of the lunar system will
notice an extremely rare cosmic sight on Wednesday, October
8, when a total lunar eclipse is expected to occur in different
parts of the World.
The total eclipse of the moon will result in a clash
simultaneous rising of the sun in what scientists have called
“selenelion,” a phenomenon that celestial geometry says
cannot happen.
During the lunar eclipse, the sun and moon will be exactly 180
degrees apart in the sky. In a perfect alignment like this
(called a “syzygy”), such an observation would seem
impossible.
The images of both the sun and moon are expected to be
lifted above the horizon by atmospheric refraction. This will
allow people on Earth to see the sun for several extra minutes
before it actually has risen and the moon for several extra
minutes after it has actually set.
As a consequence of this atmospheric trick, watchers in
different locations will have a chance to observe this unusual
sight firsthand, with the possibility of simultaneously seeing
the sun rising in the east while the eclipsed full moon is
setting in the west.
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