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Beaver Blood Moon lunar eclipse on Nov. 8

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2022

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On the full moon day of November 8, 2022, there will be a total lunar eclipse that will be visible in Asia, Australia, America and part of Europe.

However, this eclipse is visible to Sri Lanka as a partial lunar eclipse at the moon’s rise.

The total eclipse begins at 1.32 p.m., the maximum occurs at 4.29 p.m. and the eclipse ends up at 7.26 p. m., Sri Lanka Standard time. Sri Lankans can view only the latter part of this safe naked-eye event as a partial eclipse with the moon rise at 5.48 p.m. from the eastern horizon. The partial phase of the eclipse ends up at 6.19 p.m. said Prof. Chandana Jayaratne, the Director of the Astronomy and Space Science Unit, Department of Physics, Colombo University.

This is the second and final total lunar eclipse of 2022 and is famously known as the Beaver Blood Moon lunar eclipse. The true maximum point of this eclipse cannot be seen in Sri Lanka because the Moon is below the horizon at that time. Since the Moon is near the horizon at this time, it is better to select a high point or find an unobstructed area with free sight to the east-northeast for the best view of the eclipse, said Prof. Chandana Jayaratne.

The next total lunar eclipse won’t take place until March 14, 2025.

Why do we call it a Beaver Blood Moon Eclipse

All the full moons have popular nicknames. If the full moon in November falls before November 7, it is called the Hunter’s Moon. Otherwise, like this year, it is called the full Beaver Moon. The name Beaver is given due to the time of year when beavers available in many countries in the northern parts of the world prepare their dens for the coming cold months and stock up on food.

Despite its nickname “blood moon”, at the totally, eclipsed moon looks an orangey-copper reddish color and not a blood-red color.

During a total lunar eclipse, a full moon passes first into the penumbra or less dark outer shadow of the Earth and then enters into the Earth’s umbra or deep central shadow. At the totality, the only sunlight reaching the moon is light that passes through Earth’s atmosphere. Instead of expected black, it turns the lunar surface red because of Rayleigh scattering. The more the environmental pollution, dust or clouds in Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse, the redder the Moon will appear.

News

Cultural celebration held to mark Chinese New Year (Pics / Video)

Published

6 hours ago

January 20, 2025

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To mark the upcoming Chinese New Year festival, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism jointly hosted a cultural celebration last night (Jan. 19) at the Cinnamon Life Hotel.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who attended the event as Chief Guest, delivered a congratulatory message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the Chinese New Year.

The celebration was also attended by former President – Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena, Industry Minister – Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Finance and Planning – Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma and other political dignitaries, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong, Prime Minister’s Secretary – Pradeep Saputhanthri as well as a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Chinese nationals.

Impressive Kungfu performances, colourful dances and musical performances graced the evening as well as traditional Chinese art forms such as paper cutting, calligraphy and sugar crafting.

A special delegation comprising 34 members from the Henan Art Troupe and the Sichuan Chef Team has also arrived in Sri Lanka as part of the New Year celebrations. In addition, the festivities will feature the “Chinese Food Festival” and the “Port City Chinese Cultural Night,” scheduled to take place from January 20 to 23.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2025 is the year of the wood snake. The Snake is known for qualities such as grace, intelligence, and intuition.

(Pics – Shanika Jayasekara / Video – Kelum Shivantha)

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UNP – SJB talks to kick off tonight

Published

6 hours ago

January 20, 2025

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The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has given the green light to initiate discussions with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on the possibility of uniting for the upcoming elections.

The Working Committee of the UNP convened this afternoon (Jan. 20) at the party headquarters to deliberate on the matter.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Ranjith Madduma Bandara has said that the first discussion regarding the potential unification of the UNP and the SJB for the upcoming elections will take place in Colombo tonight (Jan. 20).

News

Schools in North Central & Eastern Provinces to reopen tomorrow

Published

6 hours ago

January 20, 2025

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All government schools in the North Central Province which had remained closed today (Jan. 20) due to adverse weather conditions will also reopen tomorrow (21), the provincial education authorities said.

Earlier today, it was announced that all government schools in the Eastern Province will also be reopened from tomorrow.