Lunar eclipse observation by Anushandhitshu Chokro, June 15, 2011(Dhaka, Bangladesh)

On June 15, a lunar eclipse occurred at the moon's ascending node in southern Ophiuchus about 7 degree west of the Lagoon Nebula (M8). The totality lasted about 100 minutes. Anushandhitshu Chokro organized 12 camps nationwide including Sylhet, Patharghata, Bandorban, and Barisal. The main camp was at the Bhashani Planetarium in Dhaka. Despite the bad weather, the evnt attracted hundreds of enthusiasts. A. Chokro amateur astronomers used an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Meade telescope to observe the event. They also set up radio antennas to provide a glimpse of how radio astronomy can be performed on a short budget. The activities of the A. Chokro camps were highlighted in the Bangladesh media.

Fig 1: Pre-eclipse brochure published by A. Chokro

Fig 2: Totality at 2:08 AM local time. Photo: Naimul Islam Opu

Fig 3: Lagoon Nebula could be faintly seen on the top center left of the photo. Photo: Naimul Islam Opu

Fig 4: Enthusiastic spectators line up to see a full moon through the telescope.

(Contributed by Anushandhitshu Chokro)