A total eclipse, but will anyone see it?

Published on December 20, 2010 in The Boston Globe MetroDesk Blog

A wonder of nature and a subtle reminder of man’s place in the universe, a total eclipse of the moon is expected in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. But residents of eastern Massachusetts may not get to see the celestial show.

The National Weather Service in Taunton says that due to clouds and flurries, the eclipse – the first in nearly three years — will probably not be visible in Boston and the surrounding areas. The best chance to catch a glimpse of the eclipse will be west of Worcester.However, officials at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics still held out hope that viewers in Greater Boston might see the eclipse.

“Right now it looks like there may be a window tonight. Of course, we live in Boston. We never know,” David Aguilar said, director of public affairs at the center.

The eclipse will begin around 1:30 a.m., and will last until about 5 a.m., as the earth’s shadow creeps across the moon and then recedes, Aguilar said.

He predicted that glimpses of the copper-colored moon, at least,should be visible between the clouds.

If the clouds do interfere with watching the eclipse in Massachusetts, you can always watch it online. NASA says it will post streaming video from Huntsville, Ala., at nasa.gov.

 

Three-alarm fire damages Everett building

Published on December 17, 2010 in The Boston Globe MetroDesk Blog

Investigators believe an unattended space heater sparked a three-alarm fire in Everett this morning that caused “pretty extensive” damage to a residential building, Everett Fire Department Deputy Chief John Maguire said.

The fire originated on the first floor at 172 Main St. and climbed to the the third story, the top of the building. Maguire said the damage is mostly in the front of the building and the rear is okay.

Firefighters responded to a call around 9 a.m. and stayed at the residence until about 1 p.m. The Boston, Chelsea, Somerville, Revere, Malden, and Massport fire departments helped at the scene and other communities helped man the firehouse.

The exact extent of the damage and whether the building can be repaired have not yet been determined, Maguire said.

 

Fallen Salem soldier returns home today

Published on December 17, 2010 in The Boston Globe, Page B14

The body of a Salem native who was killed while serving in Afghanistan is expected to arrive at Hanscom Air Force Base this morning, then be transported to his hometown, where friends, family, and community members plan to gather for his funeral tomorrow.

Sergeant James A. Ayube II’s remains are scheduled to arrive at Hanscom at 9:30 a.m., the National Guard said in a press release.

Sergeant Ayube was a member of the Third Squadron, Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment, based in Germany. He died Dec. 8 after sustaining injuries from an IED explosion in Balkh Province, Afghanistan.

Calling hours are 3-7 p.m. today at the St. James Parish in Salem.

The funeral Mass will be tomorrow at 11 a.m., also at St. James. Sergeant Ayube will be buried at Harmony Grove Cemetery in Salem.