SUPERMOON AND IT'S EFFECTS

Supermoons can have a potential impact of natural disasters and astrologically it is an intensified New Moon or Full Moon. With a New Moon you often focus on personal beginnings, however when there is a Supermoon  new beginnings will have a more momentous tone this also applies to a Full Moon, events will seem even more dramatic. The Moon is also associated with emotions and  so when a Supermoon is involved you can be more emotional than usual moods will suffer extreme swings and there will be no shortage of drama. The moon tends to have more of an effect on women so they can find their emotions are more intensified.

In view of what is happening in the world at the moment it's understandable.

THE ARTICLE BELOW IS FROM THE DAILY MAIL

The ultimate guide to the biggest supermoon in living memory: MailOnline reveals how to watch the stunning spectacle on Monday

• Supermoons are new or full moons that occur when the moon's orbit brings it particularly close to Earth
• On Monday the full moon will appear 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than it normally does
• It'll be the closest to Earth it's been since January 1948, and the closest full moon to date in the 21st century

The moon doesn't get much bigger and brighter than this.

On Monday, sky gazers across the world will be treated to a so-called supermoon – the closest full moon of the year.

It will be closer to the planet than it has been since 1948, and this month's full moon is set to be the biggest supermoon in living memory.

The once-in-a-lifetime sight takes place on the 14th of the month when the full moon will appear 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than normal.

It will be closer to the planet than it has been since 1948, and this month's full moon is set to be the biggest supermoon in living memory. People will be treated to the once-in-a-lifetime sight on the 14th of the month, when the full moon will appear 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than normal 

WHAT IS A SUPERMOON? 

Supermoons are new or full moons that occur when the orbit of the moon brings it particularly close to Earth.

For this reason, it appears to be bigger than normal - by about 10 per cent.

We usually get between four and six supermoons a year, but this November is special because the moon will be closer to Earth than at any time this century, and we won't get as near again until 2034. 

WHY WILL THE MOON APPEAR LARGER?  

The moon’s orbit is elliptical rather than perfectly circular, so as the moon moves around the Earth it is sometimes a little bit closer and sometimes a bit further away from us.

'If a full moon happens to occur when the Moon is also at its closest point then it will look slightly larger and brighter than usual – this is what is popularly known as a "supermoon",' Dr Marek Kukula, Public Astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich told MailOnline. 

'It’s a natural part of the moon’s cycle and happens around once a year. 

'The differences in apparent size and brightness amount to few percent but they can enhance the already beautiful sight of the full moon, making a supermoon worth looking up for.'

For this reason, it appears to be bigger than normal - by about 10 per cent.

We usually get between four and six supermoons a year, but this November is special because the moon will be closer to Earth than at any time this century, and we won't get as near again until 2034.

During the event, it will appear up to 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than an average full moon.  

A winter supermoon is supersized, because the Earth is closest to the sun in December each year, which means its gravity pulls the moon closer to the planet making it appear brighter and larger than those that occur during the rest of the year.

The best time to view a super moon is when the moon is low on the horizon where 'an illusion will occur that makes it look unnaturally larger,' according to AccuWeather.

Since the moon's orbit is elliptical, one side (perigee) is about 30,000 miles (48, 280 km) closer to Earth than the other 

Supermoons are new or full moons that occur when the orbit of the moon brings it particularly close to Earth. For this reason, it appears to be bigger than normal - by about 10 per cent

On November 14th, the Moon will be the closest to Earth it's been since January 1948. During the event, it will appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than an average full moon.

FIVE SUPERMOON FACTS 

It was not until 1979 that Astrologer Richard Nolle first defined the supermoon, which is now a widely-used term, as 'a new or full moon which occurs with the moon at or near (within 90 per cent of) its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit'.

The moon has to be 226,000 miles (363,711 km) away from the Earth to be considered 'super' which normally happens only once every 14 months. However, there will be no supermoons in 2017.

Because of its close proximity to the Earth, the moon's surface appears a lot bigger when a supermoon occurs, which makes for stunning photography.

A winter supermoon is supersized, as the Earth is closest to the sun in December each year, which means its gravity pulls the moon closer to the planet making it appear brighter and larger than those that occur during the rest of the year.

Supermoons will get smaller in the future as the moon is slowly propelling itself out of Earth's orbit, moving 1.5 inches (3.8cm) further from the Earth each year.  

WHEN CAN YOU SEE IT?   

The supermoon will arrive next Monday, on November 14.

As long as the sky is clear, it should be an excellent night to gaze upon the lunar spectacle.

It will be the second supermoon of the year, the first having already happened on October 16, and the third expected on December 14.

At 8.09 PM GMT (3.09 PM ET) the moon will be the closest it has been to the Earth since 1948, at a distance of around 217,000 miles (350,000 km).

This will be when the moon is at its biggest and brightest during the day. 

'I've been telling people to go out at night on either Sunday or Monday night to see the supermoon,' said Noah Petro, deputy project scientist for NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission. 

'The difference in distance from one night to the next will be very subtle, so if it's cloudy on Sunday, go out on Monday. Any time after sunset should be fine. 

'Since the moon is full, it'll rise at nearly the same time as sunset, so I'd suggest that you head outside after sunset, or once it's dark and the moon is a bit higher in the sky. 

'You don't have to stay up all night to see it, unless you really want to!' 

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO VIEW IT?

Experts suggest that, provided that the sky is clear and you have a view to the South, the moon will be clearly visible.

'Like any full moon it will rise above the ground in the East at sunset and reach its highest point in the sky at midnight before descending to set with the rising sun,' Colin Stuart, astronomy author, told MailOnline.

'This is the same for everyone on Earth.'  

For an even better view, try viewing from a spot with as little light pollution as possible.

The extraordinary visual effect of the moon is more pronounced when viewed near the horizon.

'The moon will look particularly big when seen close to the ground. It isn't actually bigger, but due to an effect called the moon Illusion it appears like it is,' Mr Stuart said.

'So if you can view it rising from a location with an unobstructed Eastern horizon free from trees and buildings you're more likely to see it at its "biggest".' 

'You don’t need any special equipment to see it the supermoon – just your eyes and a clear, cloud-free view of the sky,' Dr Marek Kukula, Public Astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich told MailOnline. 

'The moon usually appears most impressive when it’s close to the horizon, so look out for it as it rises in the eastern sky around 6pm on the evenings of November 13th and 14th.' 

If you want to watch it without even moving out of the house, Slooh Observatory will be doing a live broadcast. 

'Many people these days don't have a connection with the night sky because light pollution ruins our view of space from built up areas,' Mr Stuart said.

'Something as easy to see as an unusually bright full moon is a great way to spark people's interest in astronomy and think about how our solar system works. 

'Hopefully that will make them curious about seeing more of the wonders of the universe for themselves.'

Experts suggest that, provided that the sky is clear and you have a view to the south, the moon will be clearly visible. For an even better view, try viewing from a spot with as little light pollution as possible. Image of the supermoon by Albert Dros taken using Sony’s 70-200 G Master lens

DOES A SUPERMOON AFFECT OUR HEALTH? THE 'LUNATIC' EFFECT

Always surrounded by an aura of mystery, the moon and its possible influence over human behaviour has been object of ancestral fascination and mythical speculation for centuries.

While the full moon can't turn people into werewolves, some people do accuse it of causing a bad night's sleep or creating physical and mental alterations.

Dr Niall McCrae, a mental health researcher at King's College London, has spent years studying the phenomenon.

He told MailOnline he was first inspired to write his book 'The Moon and Madness' because looking back through archives he found a lack of research into the link between a full moon and mental health issues in the early 19th century. It appeared people were trying to distance themselves from the folklore, he said.

But, in stark contrast to this, mental health nurses Dr McCrae spoke to told of strong beliefs that at the time of a full moon, patients were more restless and agitated.

He said years ago, when mental health hospitals were buildings far away from cities placed on hills, with no curtains, the idea of a full moon affecting their sleep is very plausible.

Once one patient was woken by the light from the moon, they could become anxious or agitated and disturb other patients, causing a scene.

'In this environment, it's not unbelievable that moonlight can be a disturbing factor,' he said.

In the Bible, people described as 'lunatics' who fell to the ground, shaking, during a full moon might have been suffering from epileptic fits, he added.

Nowadays, he says, mental health care has changed and with different treatment, along with medication and artificial lighting, patients are less likely to be affected by the light from the moon.

To establish if lunar phases affect humans, an international group of researchers studied children in to see if their sleeping patterns changed or if there were any differences in their daily activities.

The research studied a total of 5,812 children from five continents, and the results were published in May this year. 

The researchers found, in general, nocturnal sleep duration around full moon compared to new moon reported an average decrease of five minutes (or a one per cent variant).

Another study found healthy adults slept for 20 minutes less time during a full moon, Dr McCrae told MailOnline. 

DOES THE MOON AFFECT THE WEATHER?

Some argue the moon has an impact on the weather, but the evidence shows this is not significant.

'The weather isn’t affected by the moon,' Dr Marek Kukula told MailOnline.

'However the moon does affect the tides and, because the moon will be at its closest point to the Earth, high and low tides may be slightly more extreme than usual around the date of the supermoon - but only by a few centimetres.

Dr David Harland, space historian and author, said: 'It's possible that the moon may be a kilometre or two closer to Earth than normal at a perigee, but it's an utterly insignificant event. '

Previous supermoons took place in 1955, 1974, 1992 and 2005 - all years that had extreme weather events, conspiracy theorists say.

The tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands of people in Indonesia happened two weeks before the January 2005 supermoon. And on Christmas Day 1974, Cyclone Tracy laid waste to Darwin, Australia. 

But Pete Wheeler of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy greeted warnings of an impending apocalypse with scepticism before the supermoon in 2011.

'There will be no earthquakes or volcanoes erupting, unless they are to happen anyway,' he told news.com.au at the time.

'Earth will experience just a lower than usual low tide and a higher than usual high tide around the time of the event, but nothing to get excited about.'

During a full moon, the sun and the moon are pulling on Earth from opposite sides - making the chances of any dramatic tidal events unlikely. 

While the full moon can't turn people into werewolves, some people do accuse it of causing a bad night's sleep or creating physical and mental alterations. Image of the supermoon by Albert Dros taken with Sony’s 70-200 G Master lens

Supermoons are new or full moons that occur when the orbit of the moon brings it particularly close to Earth. For this reason, it appears to be bigger than normal - by about 10 per cent. The supermoon will arrive next Monday on November 14. As long as the sky is clear, it should be an excellent night to gaze upon the lunar spectacle

'WEREWOLF' BIRDS HUNT USING LUNAR TIDES

Myth and folklore feature tales of werewolves being affected by phases of the moon, and it appears this behaviour isn't as far-fetched as it may seem.

Coastal wading birds shape their lives around the tides and new research shows different species follow prey cycles tied to our lunar satellite.

Experts now plan to study how their prey responds to such tidal forces to learn more about this behaviour.

DOES A SUPERMOON CAUSE MOOD SWINGS OR LACK OF SLEEP?  

While the full moon can't turn people into werewolves, some people do accuse it of causing a bad night's sleep or creating physical and mental alterations. 

To establish if lunar phases affect humans, an international group of researchers studied children in May this year to see if their sleeping patterns changed or if there were any differences in their daily activities.  

The research studied a total of 5,812 children from five continents.

The children came from a wide range of economic and sociocultural levels, and variables such as age, sex, highest parental education, day of measurement, body mass index score, nocturnal sleep duration, level of physical activity and total sedentary time were considered.

Data collection took place over 28 months, which is equivalent to the same number of lunar cycles. 

These were then subdivided into three lunar phases: full moon, half-moon and new moon. 

The findings obtained in the study revealed that in general, nocturnal sleep duration around full moon compared to new moon reported an average decrease of five minutes (or a one per cent variant). 

No other activity behaviours were substantially modified.

'Our study provides compelling evidence that the moon does not seem to influence people's behaviour,' said Dr Jean-Philippe Chaput, from the Eastern Ontario Research Institute.

Another study found healthy adults slept for 20 minutes less time during a full moon.

Historically, full moons have been linked to a lack of sleep because of the bright light that shines from them.

WHY ARE WE SO FASCINATED BY THE SUPERMOON?

Always surrounded by an aura of mystery, the moon and its possible influence over human behaviour has been object of ancestral fascination and mythical speculation for centuries.

Myth and folklore feature tales of werewolves being affected by phases of the moon. 

'Folklore and even certain instances of occupational lore suggest that mental health issues or behaviours of humans and animals are affected by lunar phases,' Dr Chaput said.

'Whether there is science behind the myth or not, the moon mystery will continue to fascinate civilisations in the years to come,' he added. 

One study found healthy adults slept for 20 minutes less time during a full moon. Historically, full moons have been linked to a lack of sleep because of the bright light that shines from them. Image of the supermoon by Albert Dros

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

THE LINK BETWEEN THE MOON AND HUMAN BEHAVIOUR

TO ME IF THE MOON CAN INFLUENCE THE EARTHS OCEANS AND WE ARE 70% WATER IT MAKES SENSE IT CAN HAVE SOME EFFECT OVER US

For eons, folklore has blamed the Moon for everything from lunacy to bad luck. And, for the last few centuries, scientists have scoffed. Now, according to new research they're not so sure. The Moon may not be made of cheese, but it seems to influence a lot more down on Earth than we previously thought.

According to new research, the Moon affects not only the tides of the oceans but also people, producing a range of symptoms from flare-ups of gout to bladder problems. It may even lie behind the causes of car crashes and affect people's hormonal balances.

Having carried out new research and reviewed 50 other studies, scientists suggest that doctors and the police even need to prepare for how their work rate will increase at different points in the lunar cycle. Among the findings examined by the researchers were studies that showed GP consultations go up during a full moon, according to Leeds University. Appointments rise by 3.6 per cent, which works out at around three extra patients for each surgery. The researchers did not speculate on the nature of the moon-related problems or why they happened, but said that "it does not seem to be related to anxiety and depression".

Gout and asthma attacks peak during new and full moons, according to work carried out at the Slovak Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine in Bratislava, where attacks over a 22-year period were monitored.

Data from 140,000 births in New York City showed small but systematic variations in births over a period of 29.53 days - the length of the lunar cycle - with peak fertility in the last quarter. "The timing of the fertility peak in the third quarter suggests that the period of decreasing illumination immediately after the full moon may precipitate ovulation.''

A study in Florida of murders and aggravated assaults showed clusters of attacks around the full moon. A second study of three police areas found the incidence of crimes committed on full-moon days was much higher than on all other days. And a four-year study into car accidents found that the lowest number happened during the full-moon day, while the highest number was two days before the full moon. Accidents were more frequent during the waxing than the waning phase.

Another study of some 800 patients with urinary retention admitted to hospital over a period of three years found higher retention during the new moon compared with other phases of the cycle. Interestingly, patients didn't show any other daily, monthly or seasonal rhythms in their retention problems.

Even what we eat and drink is affected by the lunar cycle, according to a study at Georgia State University. Researchers looked at lunar variations in nutrient intakes and the meal patterns of 694 adults. They concluded: "A small but significant lunar rhythm of nutrient intake was observed with an 8 per cent increase in meal size and a 26 per cent decrease in alcohol intake at the time of the full moon relative to the new moon.''

While scientists have been trying to prove for some time that the Moon does exert an effect, what has not been established is why. Scientists have until now examined the theory that the Moon triggers changes through its gravitational pull. But the latest research points to an effect on people's hormones. "The lunar cycle has an impact on human reproduction, in particular fertility, menstruation and birth rate. Other events associated with human behaviour, such as traffic accidents, crimes, and suicides, appeared to be influenced by the lunar cycle,'' said Dr Michael Zimecki of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

"Although the exact mechanism of the Moon's influence on humans and animals awaits further exploration, knowledge of this kind of biorhythm may be helpful in police surveillance and medical practice,'' he said.

The researchers also found links between the lunar cycle and the likelihood of people being admitted to hospital with heart or bladder problems and with diarrhoea. The menstrual cycle, fertility, spontaneous abortions and thyroid disease were also affected. Just how the Moon could have an effect needs further research. Dr Zimecki suggests that it may be the effect of the Moon's gravity on immune systems, hormones and steroids.

He said: "At this stage of investigation, the exact mechanism of the lunar effect on the immune response is hard to explain. The prime candidates to exert regulatory function on the immune response are melatonin and steroids, whose levels are affected by the Moon cycle.

"It is suggested that melatonin and endogenous steroids [which are naturally occurring in humans] may mediate the described cyclic alterations of physiological processes. Electromagnetic radiation and/or the gravitational pull of the Moon may trigger the release of hormones.''

Whatever the root cause of the Moon's influence over us, its hold over the imagination will endure as long as the shining sphere of rock remains in the sky.

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

THE SOLAR ECLIPSE HERALDS NEW BEGINNINGS 20 MARCH 2015

Astrologically generally eclipses are associated with beginnings or endings, in this case a solar eclipse is associated with the beginning of things. I don't profess to be an expert in astrology as my forte is mediumship but I have a working knowledge of it as it helps give me an idea of someone's character. Whatever happens with this solar eclipse it will come as a surprise and planning for it won't make any difference as the new beginning will be unexpected. 

Many people tend to fear eclipses, simply because they often bring about a crisis of sorts that leads to a significant event or change. However, this event or change can be very positive. Personally if you are a positive person you will attract more positive energy towards you. So view this as a positive event, embrace it and be prepared for a new and exciting beginning.

Article below is from the Daily Mail

 

Europe's biggest solar eclipse since 1999 is on its way - and 84 per cent of sunlight could be blocked out over London

• Total solar eclipse set to take place over Europe next month
• London can expect 84% coverage with parts of Scotland reaching 94%
• Total eclipse of the sun will occur in Northern Norway and Faroe Islands
• It will be the biggest event of its kind since 11 August 1999
• Astronomers said there will not be another total eclipse until 2026
• March solar eclipse may cause power supply glitches across Europe
• Solar power is now 10.5% of renewable sources, up from 0.1% in 1999

A solar eclipse is set to block out nearly 90 per cent of sunlight across parts of Europe next month - and it will be the biggest event of its kind in 16 years. 

On 20 March, the moon's orbit will see it travel in front of the sun, casting a shadow over Earth. 

The eclipse will see up to 84 per cent of the sun covered in London - and around 94 per cent in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, electricity system operators have warned the eclipse poses a serious risk of blackouts all over Europe as the continent increasingly relies on solar power.

The path of totality for next month's eclipse will travel from just beneath the Greenland peninsula, heading north into the Arctic Circle. The left-hand animation shows the totality of the 1999 eclipse. The right-hand animation shows how the shadow created by the eclipse on 20 March will travel over Europe

The event is taking place on the morning of 20 March, and a partial eclipse will be visible across Europe, North Africa and Russia for about 90 minutes. 

Northern Scandinavia and the Faroe Islands will experience a full eclipse, known as totality. 

Dr Steve Bell, head of the HM Nautical Almanac Office told MailOnline that Torshavn in the Faroe Islands will see two minutes and two seconds of totality. 

And the maximum duration of totality will be two minutes 47 seconds at a point 186 miles (300km) to the east of Iceland in the Norwegian Sea.

In London, the partial eclipse - when the moon starts touching the sun's edge - will start at 8.45am GMT. The maximum eclipse will hit at 9.31am and this will be the point when the moon is closest to the centre of the sun.

By 10.41am the moon will leave the sun's edge and the partial eclipse will end. 

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The solar eclipse is set to block out nearly 90 per cent of sunlight across parts of Europe next month. On the morning of the 20 March the moon's orbit will see it travel in front of the sun casting a shadow over Earth - and the eclipse will be the biggest event of its kind since 11 August 1999 (pictured over Germany)

This animation is designed to appear from the 'point of view' of the eclipse as it will occur on March 20. It shows the shadow being cast over the UK, Greenland, Europe and into Russia

The path of totality of next month's eclipse travels from just beneath the Greenland peninsula, heading north into the Arctic Circle. 

Totality is the path the full shadow travels across the surface of the Earth, while a partial solar eclipse will be visible over a region thousands of miles wide.

Dr Bell added: 'The path of totality lies well to the northwest of the UK making landfall over the Faroe Islands and Svalbard as totality moves towards the North Pole.

WHAT IS A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE? 

A total solar eclipse is only visible from a certain region on Earth and those who can see it are in the centre of the moon's shadow when it hits Earth. For a total eclipse to take place, the sun, moon and Earth must be in a direct line. The totality of the 11 August 1999 eclipse is shown

An eclipse occurs when one heavenly body, such as a moon or planet, moves into the shadow of another. On Earth there are two types - lunar eclipses and solar eclipses.

Lunar eclipse: For a lunar eclipse, the Earth moves between the sun and the moon and blocks sunlight normally reflected by the moon. 

Instead of light hitting the moon’s surface, Earth's shadow falls on it and a lunar eclipse can only happen when the moon is full. 

Solar eclipse: By comparison, a solar eclipse occurs when the orbit of the moon moves it between the sun and Earth. 

A solar eclipse occurs when the orbit of the moon moves it between the sun and Earth. When this happens, the moon blocks the light of the sun 

When this happens, the moon blocks the light of the sun reaching Earth and the moon casts a shadow on Earth. 

Types of shadow: During a solar eclipse, the moon casts two shadows on Earth.

The first shadow is called the umbra, and this gets smaller as it reaches Earth.

The second shadow is known as the penumbra, and this gets larger as it reaches Earth. 

There are additionally three types of solar eclipses:

Total: A total solar eclipse is only visible from a certain region on Earth and those who can see it are in the centre of the moon's shadow when it hits Earth. 

For a total eclipse to take place, the sun, moon and Earth must be in a direct line.

People standing in the umbra will see a total eclipse and this will occur over the Faroe Islands on 20 March. 

Partial solar eclipse: This occurs when the sun, moon and Earth don't line up exactly.

People standing in the penumbra will see a partial eclipse. 

Annular: An annular eclipse happens when the moon is farthest from Earth. Because the moon is further from Earth, it appears smaller.  

As a result, it doesn't block the entire view of the sun. The moon in front of the sun resembles a dark disk on top of a larger sun-colored disk and creates what looks like a ring around the moon. 

Source: Nasa 

'The UK will see this eclipse as a deep partial eclipse.

'The place that sees the deepest partial eclipse of the sun in the UK is the west coast of the Isle of Lewis close to Aird Uig.

'Here 98 per cent of the sun will be obscured at mid-eclipse at around 9:36am GMT. 

'Skies will darken for any location where the maximum obscuration exceeds 95 per cent which includes north-western Scotland, the Hebrides, Orkneys and Shetland Islands.'   

Solar eclipse hits the United Kingdom in August 1999

The solar eclipse will see up to 84 per cent of the sun covered over London and around 94 per cent in the main cities in Scotland (pictured is a full eclipse over Australia in 2012). Northern Scandinavia and the Faroe Islands will experience a full eclipse for two minutes and nine seconds

The last solar eclipse of a similar size took place on 11 August 1999 and had an eclipse magnitude of 1.029.

An eclipse magnitude is the fraction of the sun’s diameter obscured by the moon. 

It is based on a ratio of diameters and differs from an eclipse obscuration, which is a measure of the sun’s surface area covered by the Moon. 

The value given is taken at the moment when the eclipse is at is maximum. 

The path of the moon's shadow in August 1999 began in the Atlantic Ocean before covering the south of the UK, northern France, Belgium, Luxembourg, southern Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary. 

THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF 1999 

The last solar eclipse of a similar size took place on 11 August 1999 and had an eclipse magnitude of 1.029.

An eclipse magnitude is the fraction of the sun’s diameter obscured by the moon. 

It is based on a ratio of diameters and differs from an eclipse obscuration, which is a measure of the sun’s surface area covered by the Moon. 

The value given is taken at the moment when the eclipse is at is maximum.  

The maximum of two minutes and 23 seconds of totality for the 1999 eclipse occurred close to Ramnicu Valcea in Romania.

It was said to have been the first total eclipse visible in Europe since 22 July 1990, and the first visible in the UK since 29 June 1927.  

It was said to have been the first total eclipse visible in Europe since 22 July 1990, and the first visible in the UK since 29 June 1927. 

Dr Bell continued: 'In a global context, the maximum duration of totality for next month’s eclipse will exceed the maximum of two minutes and 23 seconds of totality for the 1999 eclipse, which occurred close to Ramnicu Valcea in Romania. 

'This is still quite a long way short of the theoretical maximum duration of totality which can reach seven minutes 31 seconds.' 

There will not be another total eclipse until 2026. 

Tom Kerss, astronomer at The Royal Observatory Greenwich told MailOnline: 'Since the Moon is smaller than the Earth, and very far away, the properly dark shadow it casts will only be about 100 miles wide, and will spend most of its time darkening the chilly waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. 

'However, if the weather is clear, observers on Svalbard and the Faroes should experience almost three minutes of extraordinary day-time darkness.

'What’s more, lunar perigee - the time in the Lunar month when the Earth and Moon are closest together - will occur the evening before the eclipse. 

This makes our 2015 Spring Equinox eclipse a ‘supermoon’ eclipse - perhaps we should call that a supereclipse.

'Since the shadow of the moon will be ever so slightly larger in this scenario, it might appear slightly darker during totality, but in practise I think this would be difficult to detect, even by an experienced eclipse chaser. 

'Nevertheless, it’s nice to have a supermoon, equinox and eclipse all falling on the same day.

'It’ll be well worth taking a look outside to see the two most important astronomical bodies in our lives rising together, and witness the last eclipse to cover so much of the sun from Europe in over a decade.'

Since 1999, the use of solar power in Europe has gone from 0.1 per cent of electricity produced from renewable power sources to 10.5 per cent. 

These four animations illustrate how the eclipse will appear over Rome (top left), Paris (top right), London (bottom left) and the Faroe Islands (bottom right). Reloading the page will replay the animations. They were designed by the HM Nautical Almanac Office and reveal the time of the events and altitudes 

This could mean that transmission networks will have to cope with sharp drops and sudden surges in capacity as the eclipse takes place in the early hours of 20 March.

HOW TO WATCH THE ECLIPSE

Projection: Place a pinhole or small opening in a card, and hold it between the sun and a screen – giant sheet of white paper works – a few feet away.

Filters: The sun can be viewed directly only when using filters specifically designed for this purpose. Such filters have a thin layer of aluminum, chromium or silver on the surfaces.

Telescopes with solar filters: There are sun-specific telescopes available for sale - or perhaps through a local astronomy club - that are also safe for viewing a partial eclipse. 

'Solar eclipses have happened before but with the increase of installed photovoltaic energy generation, the risk of an incident could be serious without appropriate countermeasures,' European grid company lobby ENTSO-E said.

'Under a clear morning sky on 20 March, some 35,000 megawatts of solar energy, which is the equivalent of nearly 80 medium size conventional generation units, will gradually fade from Europe's electrical system before being gradually re-injected: all in the space of two hours.'

The organisation, which represents 41 electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) from 34 countries across Europe, added that the eclipse poses an unprecedented challenge for grids. 

Continental Europe overall has 87 GW of solar capacity, mainly in Germany, Italy and France.

German solar capacity alone has risen from just a few hundred MW in 2003, when the region last witnessed a major eclipse, to 38,200 MW now. 

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The spread of huge solar arrays across the EU means that more than 10 per cent of the continent’s electricity now comes from solar panels. With power supply so reliant on the sun’s rays, the solar eclipse on 20 March might lead to blackouts. Experts have warned the eclipse poses ‘an unprecedented test for Europe’s system’

Under German renewable laws, solar power takes priority when being fed into the grid to reach consumers.

Germany's four high-voltage power firms, in the heart of Europe, said separately they had commissioned studies on likely scenarios and are currently preparing for an 82 percent loss of sunshine between 08.30am and 11am on the day. 

The eclipse in 1999 saw no great impact on solar power because the industry was still in its infancy.  

...AND THE ECLIPSE COULD CAUSE POWER BLACKOUTS

The eclipse next month could disrupt solar power supplies across Europe, energy experts have warned.

The spread of huge solar arrays across the EU means that more than 10 per cent of the continent’s electricity now comes from solar panels.

With power supply so reliant on the sun’s rays, the solar eclipse on 20 March might lead to blackouts.

Electricity system operators have warned that the eclipse poses ‘an unprecedented test for Europe’s electricity system’.

The European Network Transmission System Operators for Electricity, a group of power supply organisations, said: ‘The risk of incident cannot be completely ruled out.

‘Solar eclipses have happened before but with the increase of installed photovoltaic energy generation, the risk of an incident could be serious without appropriate countermeasures.’

The organisation said it had been planning so-called ‘countermeasures’ for months, with suppliers across Europe set to help balance the load with more energy from other power stations as solar electricity drops off.  

The eclipse is not expected to cause blackouts in Britain because so little of our power comes from solar power.

Despite a boom in British solar arrays in recent years, particularly in southern England, solar power today provides just 1.5 per cent of our electricity needs.

The National Grid said it expected solar power output in Britain to halve from an average March figure of 3,000 megawatts to 1,700 megawatts.

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MOON PHASES 2013

MOON PHASES 2013

Why moon phases are important?

People are often affected by the different phases it's no coincidence the word 'lunatic' was coined from the Latin word 'Luna' meaning the moon, after all we know how the moon affects the tides and we as humans are 70% water so we are likely to be affected by the moon's gravitational pull too.

The dark moon (new moon) is often associated with negativity and not the best time for being creative or signing documents, however it is a time for planning and wishing and positive spells as the power builds up as the moon waxes until the full moon.

The full moon is at it's most positive and most powerful

The waning moon is a time for closure and for conducting spells associated with endings and sending back negativity



AN EXAMPLE OF A SPELL THAT SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT WHEN THE MOON IS WANING

A SPELL 'SENDING BACK THE PAIN'

RITUAL FOR SENDING BACK NEGATIVITY TO WHERE IT ORIGINATED 

It is never justifiable to curse or hex anyone, it is wrong and you have to remember the laws of the Universe what you give out you will get back tenfold. However that does not mean you have to tolerate being bullied or attacked by anyone for this can result in unhappiness and can if it goes on resulting in physical illness. Sometimes no matter what you do to try and resolve something and even report it to the appropriate authority that doesn't cause it to cease. You cannot wish ill on them for bad vibes will always rebound on the sender of negative magic but what you can do is return the pain to the perpetrator. You are not mentioning names but merely returning ill will and negativity back to where it came from.

This ritual is most effective when carried out at the time of a waning moon or on any moonless night.

Method and ingredients

Take nine iron nails (carpet tacks will do) and place them in a dark glass bottle with sprigs of rosemary, sour milk that's begun to curdle and some cheap red wine that has gone sour
Cork the bottle and shake it saying: "May venom and viciousness coil like poisonous snakes and bottle up the evil that is done to me"
Purify a drain with a few drops of fenugreek or pine dissolved in warm water with a sprinkling of some salt.
Shake the bottle well and tip the contents down the drain saying words such as:

Pain, misery flow from me
Flow not to the sea
Flow back to he or she
Inflicter of disharmony
Wheresoever you may be

You can do this ritual also for anonymous letters, phone calls or unidentifiable malice
Rinse out the bottle with very hot water and tip any remnants away, rinsing until the water from the bottle runs clear
When the bottle is empty say:

I have returned the pain
Send it not again

Purify the bottle by placing a clear quartz crystal in it with pure spring water and leave it uncorked for a sun and moon cycle

I have performed this many times to good effect to send back negativity to where it originated

________________________________________

AN EXAMPLE OF A SPELL WHICH SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT WHEN THE MOON IS WAXING

MANIFESTING WISHES

CANDLE MAGIC

Candle magic has been used for centuries in homes and churches alike. It is a powerful force and can be effectively utilized when making requests of your angels, guides or deity. In many churches, continuous candle burning is commonplace and used to petition Angels and Saints.

Seven day vigil candles are frequently used for magic and religious purposes. They are easily found in discount stores, even many grocery stores. Usually found in tall glass containers, these candles can be clear or decorated with pictures of Angels and Saints. Seven day candles are used when energy should be concentrated and sustained. These candles are usually lit with intention and allowed to burn freely until nothing is left. The glass containers with the picture of the particular angel you are petitioning can be very effective. However, in this case, you will be using a candle that is not housed in a glass container.

First find a suitable candle. Using a candle in the color appropriate for the Angel or Archangel from whom you are requesting help will add additional power. Next obtain crystal headed pins in seven different colors: white, black, yellow, orange, red, blue and green. Regular color pins will work, but the crystal heads will add something special to your angelic work. You may need to obtain them from a fabric store or florist, if your local stores don't carry crystal headed pins.

Take out your candle and using normal precautionary steps, use the pins with your candle in the following manner. Divide the candle into seven equal parts by inserting six of the pins into it in intervals. The seventh pin should be inserted at either the top or bottom. If you wish to insert them according to the chakra colors that is fine. Make sure the pins are fully inserted into the candle.

The next step requires a piece of paper and a pen. If you want to add extra power to your intention, don't just grab a piece of computer paper. Use beautiful stationery, or even make your own paper. It is best to use a large piece of paper. With a quality pen or quill and ink, write down seven wishes. Take the time to think out your wishes and make them very clear. Wishing for a new car, could lead to an accident and needing to replace your car. Wishing for a relationship might bring an ogre to your door. Instead of wishing for a new job, wish for one that will utilize your artistic skills, etc. Keep in mind the old saying be careful what you wish for.

Now, fold the paper at a ninety degree angle and write your name over your wishes. Fold the paper again and write your name. Continue until you have folded the paper seven times. You will end up with a triangle of paper.

For the next step, anoint the candle being careful not to dislodge any of the crystal pins. Place the folded paper under the candle. Burn the candle on seven consecutive nights. Each time you light the candle pay attention to any revelations or angelic signs you may receive.

Each time a pin falls, pinch out the flame, saving the pin. Do not blow out the flame as it scatters the energy of the candle, the wishes and the intention. When all of the pins have fallen, insert them into the paper in the following manner. The white-headed pin should be inserted at the top of the triangle pointing downward. The black pin from the bottom toward the top point of the triangle. The orange pin should be inserted from the left side, the yellow from the right side. The green pin should be placed between the orange and black pins with the tip at a 45 degree angle. The blue pin should be the opposite of the green pin. Finally insert the red pin into the middle of the folded piece of paper.

Some older traditions recommend that the final step be burying the paper, pins and wax under your doorstep. In the modern world, people seldom have doorsteps that have space under them that can be used for burying. Another way to finalize your wishes would be to burn the paper and blow the ashes into the air, carrying it to the angels one last time.

Be alert and pay attention to any signs, messages or even miraculous happenings that your angel provides. By petitioning your angel, your wishes can come true.