Comparative analysis of sky quality and meteorological variables during the total lunar eclipse on 14-15 April 2014 and their effect on qualitative measurements of the Bortle scale

TL;DR

This study compares sky quality and meteorological variables during the April 2014 lunar eclipse to assess the Tatacoa desert's suitability for astronomical observations, highlighting environmental changes affecting sky brightness and conditions.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of environmental parameter variations during a lunar eclipse and evaluates the Tatacoa desert's potential for astronomical research.

Findings

Sky brightness and meteorological conditions vary during the eclipse.

Tatacoa desert is suitable for optical astronomical observations.

Environmental conditions can be classified using the Bortle Scale during eclipses.

Abstract

A total lunar eclipse is plausible to have an influence on the variation of some environmental physical parameters, specifically on the conditions of the sky brightness, humidity and temperature. During the eclipse on 14$^{th}$-15$^{th}$ April 2014, these parameters were measured through a photometer and a weather station. The obtained results allow the comparison, practically, of the optimal conditions for observational astronomy work in the Tatacoa desert and therefore to certify it as suitable perfect place to develop night sky astronomical observations. This investigation determined, to some extent, the suitability of this place to carry out astronomical work and research within the optical range. Thus, the changes recorded during the astronomical phenomenon allowed the classification of the sky based on the Bortle Scale