Astro Fun Tomorrow Night!!

Hello all! Schedule a friendly party on the night of the 20th-21st! It's the time of the total lunar eclipse!! Have a group bundled up with some blankets, hot cocoa, and treats while you wait. Make sure you bring your telescopes and binoculars! Cameras too! You can watch this eclipse with your naked eye, so even if you lack equipment, you won't miss out!! Be prepared to stay up late the farther east you live in the US.

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The times for the eclipse are here:

Eastern US: 

Start of the Partial Eclipse (Prenumbral Shadow): 1:32 am Dec 21

Start of the Total Eclipse (Umbral Shadow): 2:40 am Dec 21

End of Total: 3:53 am  End of Partial: 5:01 am

Central US:

Start of the Partial Eclipse (Prenumbral Shadow): 12:32 am Dec 21

Start of the Total Eclipse (Umbral Shadow): 1:40 am Dec 21

End of Total: 2:53 am  End of Partial: 4:01 am

Mountain US:

Start of the Partial Eclipse (Prenumbral Shadow): 11:32 pm Dec 20

Start of the Total Eclipse (Umbral Shadow): 12:40 am Dec 21

End of Total: 1:53 am  End of Partial: 3:01 am

Pacific US:

Start of the Partial Eclipse (Prenumbral Shadow): 10:32 pm Dec 20

Start of the Total Eclipse (Umbral Shadow): 11:40 pm Dec 20

End of Total: 12:53 am  End of Partial: 2:01 am

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The colour of the moon will change the more of the Earth that passes between it and the Sun. It can change from yellow to orange to red to maroon, even black! Make sure you take extra care as you watch, you may catch another fantastic astro-phenomenon: meteors. The Ursids meteor shower peaks on December 21st, so you may catch a glimpse of a few shooting stars during the eclipse. The extra dark will help faint stars show better, bright stars shine super bright, and make meteors easier to spot!!

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This will help you spot the Ursids, just look for the Little Dipper and keep your eyes peeled. Helps to adjust to the dark well beforehand. Avoid bright lights, lights from cell phones, etc. Red light is safe to keep your eyes adjusted, so tape some red cellophane over a flashlight in case you need a little help in the dark.

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Happy Stargazing!!

♥ Sam