Deep Partial Eclipse Viewing at the Branched Oak Observatory
Deep Partial Eclipse Viewing Thursday Night at Branched Oak Observatory The August 27/28 Lunar Eclipse is a wonderful example of why astronomers talk about what is known as “Eclipse Season.” Eclipses tend to come in pairs because, for a few weeks, the geometry of the Moon’s orbit lines up with the plane of Earth’s orbit. The August 12th Solar Eclipse occurred at New Moon, when the Moon passed between Earth and the Sun, and just over two weeks later, on August 27, we have a Lunar Eclipse at Full Moon, when Earth passes between the Sun and Moon and casts its shadow across the lunar surface. There is an important difference between the two: a Solar Eclipse is visible only from a relatively narrow path where the Moon’s shadow falls on Earth (Greenland, Iceland, and Northern Spain for the last), while a Lunar Eclipse can be seen from virtually the entire nighttime side of our planet where the Moon is above the horizon. That means this eclipse will be visible across a large portion of the United States, including here at Branched Oak Observatory. Although technically a Partial Lunar Eclipse, this is an exceptionally deep one, with about 94% of the Moon entering Earth’s darkest shadow. The partial phase begins around 9:34 PM CDT, reaches maximum at approximately 11:12 PM, and ends around 12:53 AM, making the period from roughly 10:30 PM to midnight especially worthwhile for watching. We will be open between 9PM and 1AM IF THE WEATHER IS CLEAR (check the forecast/skies/here on FM before heading out). As the eclipse deepens, most of the Moon will take on the characteristic dusky red or copper color produced when sunlight is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere. No special equipment is required to watch a Lunar Eclipse, although binoculars or a telescope can make the changing colors and details especially impressive.
