Dudley Observatory at miSci will host an overnight party January 20-21, 2019 to view the total lunar eclipse occurring from 9:36 PM on Sunday 1/20 to 2:48 AM on Monday 1/21 (Martin Luther King Day). The event will feature: lunar eclipse viewing with telescopes (weather permitting), planetarium shows, hands-on astronomy activities, live streaming of the eclipse indoors, non-stop replays The Magic School Bus space episodes, astronomy swag, food/drink and more. With the MLK Day school holiday on Monday, Dudley Observatory is hoping parents will seize the opportunity to enjoy a rare astronomical event with their families.
“Astronomical events have always been interesting phenomena for humans, and lunar eclipses, in particular, were thought to bad omens since the moon does turn blood red!” said Dr. Valerie Rapson, Outreach Astronomer of Dudley Observatory at miSci. “But now, we understand the science behind what we’re seeing, so they are just fun to watch. This year’s eclipse occurs during the January (Wolf) moon, while the moon is slightly closer to Earth than normal, so it’s fascinating to see the moon turn red in our sky.”
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the moon and the sun, blocking most sunlight from hitting the moon. Often referred to as a “blood moon,” because as light passes through Earth’s atmosphere and the blue light is scattered, only red light is left to make it all the way to the moon, giving the moon a red appearance. Earth typically sees a couple lunar eclipses each year; however, they are not always viewable in Upstate New York due to our location on Earth. This weekend, a total lunar eclipse will be viewable from our region – peaking from 11:41 PM - 12:43 AM – until the next viewable occurrence more than two years away, in May 2021.
This month’s eclipse also coincides with a “super” moon – when the moon is full and slightly closer to Earth in its orbit – the first of 2019. This Sunday’s moon will also be a “wolf” moon, which is historically the first full moon of January full moon (each full moon has a name, depending on the month when it occurs).
In addition to various eclipse-related activities throughout the evening, there will be food provided by Given to Fry food truck, coffee from Electric City Coffee Roasters, ice cream from Stewart’s Shops, and discounted overnight accommodations at DoubleTree by Hilton across Nott Terrace from the museum.
miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. Admission to the Lunar Eclipse Party is $16 and $8 for miSci members and includes eclipse viewing and all activities. Planetarium tickets are an additional $6.
About Dudley Observatory
Founded in 1856, the Dudley Observatory is the nation’s oldest non-academic intuition of astronomical research. It has endured by adapting to the needs of the times and by always serving the community – both the scientific community and the greater Capital Region community. The legacy of Dudley’s observations is preserved in the original equipment, now housed in miSci collections. The Dudley archives and library, containing records of its astronomical work and many rare volumes, are now available to researchers. In 2015, due to the increasing need for greater science education along with the other STEM fields, Dudley entered into a partnership with miSci (the Museum of Innovation and Science) to provide astronomy programs and education. www.dudleyobservatory.org
About miSci
At miSci, all exhibits, programs, and events are designed with its mission in mind: to inspire people to celebrate and explore science and technology, past, present and future. miSci is home to an extensive Archive and Collection, a Challenger Learning Center, the Dudley Observatory, the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, and various special exhibits and programs each year. miSci’s vast Archives house more than 1.6 million prints and negatives from the GE Photograph collection; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. Featuring dynamic exhibits, state-of-the-art space learning centers, standards-based education for K-12 classes and students, and special programming for teens, miSci offers patrons hands-on exploration while fostering an understanding and appreciation of STEM subjects and careers. www.miSci.org.
