The first eclipse of the moon since 1946 took place last night and a clear, cloudless sky gave observers a perfect view. Right: Four stages of the eclipse: (top to bottom) 8.30 p.m., just before the eclipse began; 8.50 p.m., the first shadow begins to creep across the moon's face; 9.10 p.m., the eclipse half-completed; 9.25 p.m., approaching total eclipse. Left: Government Astronomer, Mr. H. W. Wood, makes a last-minute check on the astrographic telescope at Sydney Observatory which was used to photograph the eclipse. July 27, 1953.