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From:
rabbiwieder@aol.com
Date: Nov. 16, 2003
Subj: Lunar Eclipse
On Motzai Shabbos, Nov. 8th, 2003, almost 15 students from our 7th
grade science class and several parents got together in The Elkin's
backyard to watch the near total lunar eclipse. Braving 35
degree temperatures, they stood and watched as the moon slipped
behind the Earth and into its shadow. The eclipse was complete at
approx 8:15 pm. Mr. Raymon brought his telescope and gave all the
students and parents a chance to observe 'up close' the moon and its
craters. Then we all got a better view of the planet Mars. It was as
close to perfect viewing conditions as you could ask for, away from
city lights and no clouds. Of course Mrs. Elkin's hot cocoa and
cookies proved to be the icing on the 'proverbial cake'.
The lunar eclipse occurs only at a full moon, which we learned is the
exact middle of the lunar, "Jewish", month. The last lunar eclipse
was in May, but was blocked by an overcast sky. The next lunar
eclipse that will be visible from the NY/NJ area will occur in roughly
three years. While this is certainly not the first nor the last
lunar eclipse, it was probably the very first Science class held in
a students' backyard and on a Saturday night - how's that for extra
credit? These students are real heroes for being so committed.
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