On 5 Mar 2007 05:47:15 -0800, Tudor Hughes wrote:

Hardly at all. The earh would not be illuminated because it's night,
the sun being on the far side of the earth.

Er no it would be illumated by the (red) reflected light from the moon.
Just like the non-sun lit part of the moon is illuminated (and naked eye
visible) by reflected light from the earth, Earth Shine. Now wether
there would be enough red light to be naked eye visible is another matter
matter but what the heck you'd still see our cities... B-)

The ring of light round the earth, caused by the atmosphere, would be
much brighter

I agree and it wouldn't be even all round unless the sun was directly in
line. As part of the sun is still visible the diametrically opposite side
should be darker.

Also the moon being in eclipse would not be illuminated, least of all
from behind the observer, who be in the dark,

No bathed in the red light filtering through and being defracted by the
earths atmosphere.

--
Cheers
Dave. pam is missing e-mail