When a total lunar eclipse occurs during sunrise, a rare celestial phenomenon called a selenelion (or “impossible sunrise”) takes place. During this event, you can see both the totally eclipsed “blood moon” and the rising sun simultaneously on opposite horizons. Of course, you also need clear skies. Early this morning, we enjoyed perfect viewing conditions, though a bit uncomfortable at 10° outside. Photographically speaking, the event is less interesting than a regular lunar eclipse because the rising sun makes it impossible to expose for the “blood moon.” I chose to take a photo shortly before the full eclipse and while it was still dark enough to barely see the outline of the moon. Once the moon was fully in the Earth’s shadow, it completely disappeared from view. It was still above the horizon but simply too dim to be seen in the morning light. This was to the dismay of the 50 or so people gathered at a popular high ground observation point, who did not know this would be the case. Yesterday, the local news made a big deal of this rare event, featuring lovely photos of a blood moon, but failed to mention that in our part of the country, this scene would not be visible. Dozens of people were still driving up as I departed, knowing the show was over.
