On Wednesday 18 September 2024 in the morning hours, a fascinating celestial spectacle took place over one of the most important monuments of eastern Slovakia, the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth in Košice - a partial lunar eclipse. This phenomenon offered a unique opportunity to watch the cosmic events in the backdrop of historical architecture. It was not only an astronomical encounter, but also an opportunity to experience an unusual moment that combined the beauty of nature with the majesty of human creativity.
A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Moon and the Sun, with the Sun, Earth and Moon not exactly in line. This means that only part of the lunar surface enters the Earth's shadow, while the rest remains illuminated by the Sun. During this phenomenon, we can see how the Earth's shadow gradually covers part of the Moon, creating a fascinating view of a celestial body that is partially "lost" in the darkness.
Unlike a total lunar eclipse, which is known for its deep red colour (sometimes called a "blood moon"), a partial eclipse is less dramatic but still spectacular. The dark part of the lunar surface gradually grows larger, while the rest of the Moon remains bright and luminous. This combination of light and shadow creates a special atmosphere that attracts the eyes not only of amateur astronomers but also of those who enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
The author of this image, Robert Barsa, observed this eclipse over the largest church in Slovakia, which is not only the spiritual centre of the city, but also an architectural treasure that attracts thousands of tourists every year. St. Elizabeth Cathedral, set in the heart of the historic centre, is an unmissable landmark of the city. Its spires tower high above the surrounding buildings, forming an imposing silhouette that becomes even more breathtaking when viewing celestial phenomena such as the partial lunar eclipse. Watching this astronomical phenomenon above the Gothic towers of the Cathedral was certainly an unforgettable experience. And perhaps it was not just about seeing the moon itself, but also about connecting with the history and atmosphere of the ancient city.
Even today, in the age of modern science, eclipses attract us with their rarity and visual beauty. We take a moment from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to reconnect with the universe and remind ourselves that even though we are part of a technologically advanced world, we are still subject to the ancient laws of nature. As we watch the shadow of the Earth slowly pass over the face of the Moon, it brings a special sense of humility and respect for the forces of the universe to many.
"The author of the picture has once again reminded us that even in our rushing world, where astronomers are often in a hurry to make impressive discoveries and detailed observations of unknown objects in the sky, it is worth pausing for a moment and letting the almost notorious astronomical objects, together with the creations of human creativity, draw irresistible views of the world around us. Not only for the jury of the Czech Astrophotography of the Month competition (CHAM), sponsored by the Czech Astronomical Society, but certainly on behalf of all lovers of the sky and architecture, we would like to thank the author and wish him victory in the September round of the competition. And of course we wish you many similarly amazing images," concluded on behalf of the jury ČAM Marcel Bělík from the Observatory in Úpice.
Author: Robert Barsa
Title: Partial lunar eclipse over St. Elizabeth Cathedral
Place: Košice, Slovakia
Date: 18. 9. 2024
Sensor: Sony A7IIIa
Optics: TSamyang 135mm, f/2
Assembly: Tripod
Description: Sequence taken from shots with 135 mm lens (21x Moon + panorama), exposure bracketing. Panorama - 9 shots, exp. 0.1 sec., Moon 1/80s. All shots taken from one location from a tripod, same sensor and lens. The image preserves the real positions and size ratios of the objects as it could be visually observed. Adobe Camera Raw - underlying panorama, Photoshop - combination of moon images over layers with underlying panorama, alignment with panorama automatically (common foreground portion).
You can see the winning images in each month and more information at http://www.astro.cz/cam/.
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