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Total Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party
January 31, 2018 @ 3:45 am - 7:00 am
During a Total Lunar Eclipse, the full moon travels through the Earth’s shadow and turns a deep red color for a couple hours. In Eugene, the moon will start to enter the dark red part of the Earth’s shadow at 3:48am. The moon will be completely covered in the Earth’s red shadow from 4:51am to 6:07am. Learn more about timing and what the eclipse will look like in Eugene.
We will have several telescopes set up to offer close-up views of the moon during the eclipse, as well as other celestial objects that will be visible, including Mars and Jupiter. Special thanks to the Eugene Astronomical Society for co-hosting this event and helping share telescopic views of the lunar eclipse. While you don’t need a telescope to view a total lunar eclipse, they can give incredible views of craters and mountains on the lunar surface during an eclipse.
Eugene Astronomical Society Star Party Dos and Dont’s:
– DO dress warmly!
– DO ask questions! Amateur astronomers love to share what we’ve learned about the night sky. Star parties tend to be informal, with several telescopes set up. Don’t be shy; come on up and say “Hi” and have a look.
– DON’T bring your dog. In the dark, they could cause accidents if they get underfoot.
– DO check the weather. Star parties are always “weather permitting.” Check the sky before you set out to spare yourself a trip if the sky is cloudy.
– DO preserve your night vision and everyone else’s. It takes up to 20 minutes for eyes to adapt to the dark. A single burst of bright light can ruin that for everyone. If you carry a flashlight, use the dimmest light you can, and cover the lens with red filter film. (Red light isn’t quite as damaging to night vision as white light.) Automotive brake-light repair tape works well. You might need several layers. Remember that once your eyes adapt to the dark, it doesn’t take much light to see your way around–or to ruin your night vision.
– DON’T use your cell phone around others. Cell phone screens are way too bright to use at star parties. Please go a long ways from the group before using your cell phone.
Children are welcome, but before you allow your child to look through a telescope, explain to them how to clasp their hands behind their backs and simply look into the eyepiece, not touching any part of the telescope. Fingerprints can ruin an eyepiece, and eyepieces can be very expensive. Practice this at home with a pair of binoculars or a toilet-paper tube. If they cannot follow this procedure, please do not bring them to a star party.