Celestial phenomena

Calculus · Post #1by **Calculus** » 08.12.2002, 18:27

Did you know that in 755AD a moon eclipse occured ? Not unusual one shall say! But at the same time, the shadowed moon was occulting Jupiter!!
Celestia can render it beautifully.
Have a look at the shots in my gallery.

Redfish · Post #2by **Redfish** » 08.12.2002, 20:07

Hehe, so how do YOU find out these things? Just start up celestia? pick a place, and then wait for something to happen? :)

billybob884 · Post #3by **billybob884** » 08.12.2002, 20:26

yes, i'm a little curious about this too... :lol:

Calculus · Post #4by **Calculus** » 09.12.2002, 00:57

Redfish wrote:Hehe, so how do YOU find out these things? Just start up celestia? pick a place, and then wait for something to happen? :)

You can certainly use Celestia and wait for such events but it would take a while. You can help it with some celestial mechanic knowledge (for instance the Pluto / Charon mutual events occur every 123 years). But the far easiest is to read.
This moon eclipse in 755AD was quoted in the chronicle of Simeon of Durham. The interesting thing is that, at that time, they thought Jupiter was a star. Only recent computations showed that this star actually was Jupiter.
I have also added in my gallery a nice sunset view of the solar eclipse that occured on Dec 4, 2002. How do I know that one ?

Post #5by **chris** » 09.12.2002, 19:11

billybob884 wrote:yes, i'm a little curious about this too...

A couple great books for learning about celestial phenomena are Jean Meeus's Mathematical Astronomy Morsels and More Mathematical Astronomy Morsels. Both are available from Sky & Telescope's online store (and Amazon, too, but wouldn't you rather give your money to S&T?).

--Chris

billybob884 · Post #6by **billybob884** » 09.12.2002, 22:04

i'd definately have to say yes to that, and thanks for the tip :wink:

billybob884 · Post #7by **billybob884** » 10.12.2002, 03:23

though i am curious why you quoted me and not redfish... :mrgreen: