Hello dialists: My new Celestial Products moon calendar says that there will be a total lunar eclipse at 4:41 UT on January 21 (the evening of Jan. 20th in North America).
We have already discussed on the list the fact that moonlight should indicate the correct time on a sundial during totality if corrected for EOT and longitude and if its light is bright enough to cast a shadow. But what happens to the declination readings on a sundial during a lunar eclipse? I'm thinking that the shadow of the nodus should indicate a date which is exactly six months from the date of the eclipse. In this case a sundial with declination lines would show the date to be July 21. Is my theory correct about this? Those of you who have sundials with declination lines might want to check this out during totality. I'm also curious if there will be enough moonlight to even see a shadow. Mark this date on your calendars and please let us all know the results of your observations. Thanks John Carmichael Tucson Arizona
