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

Abstract

A total lunar eclipse plausibly has 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 14th-15th April 2014, these parameters were measured with 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 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.