The evening of October 27, 2004
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Recent total lunar eclipses viewed in Atlanta:
L: March 13,
1997
R: Jan. 20-21, 2000
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Photos: R. Williamon taken at Fernbank Science Center
Observatory |
Planetarium & Observatory Open House
On the evening on October 27, Atlantans will be treated
to a total lunar eclipse. Unlike a solar eclipse which
is dangerous to view, an eclipse of the moon is perfectly safe. Indeed,
this is a “lawn chair” event which can be enjoyed
by anyone from the comfort of your own back yard. As
you may remember, this is our third try at showing you this
beautiful astronomical phenomenon. Both rain and cloudy skies
obscured our view in the past but we are hopeful the late October
skies will be kind to us. Otherwise you will have to wait until
March 3, 2007 for your view of a total lunar eclipse again!
Our telescopes will be set up from 9:00 PM until Midnight.
Although you can enjoy this event from anywhere in the United
States, you and all members of the Emory community (faculty,
staff, families, students and your guests) are invited to drop
into the Planetarium between 9:00 PM and Midnight. There you
will see a high-quality live video feed of the eclipse direct
from the Cassegrain telescope which will be projected into
the Planetarium. (Weather permitting, of course.) Faculty
members from the physics department will be on hand to explain
this astronomical event and answer your questions.
You also will have an opportunity to look directly
through our smaller telescopes set up on the front terrace (across
from White Hall) and on the rooftop deck. Because of space
limitation on the rooftop observing deck, we will take small
groups up there as time and opportunity allows.
Please remember that the viewing is weather dependent. We'll try our best
to schedule a clear evening, but not even the best telescope can see through
clouds!
This is not a planetarium show and no RSVP is needed; just drop in and stay as
long as you like.
Location: Mathematics and Science Center, 400 Dowman Drive.
Eclipse facts for October 27, 2004:
| Eclipse stage: |
Eastern Standard Time
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| Moon enters penumbra (slight shading) |
8:06 PM
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| Partial eclipse begins (moon enters umbra) |
9:14 PM
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| Total eclipse begins (moon totally within
umbra) |
10:23 PM
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| Total eclipse ends (moon begins to leave
umbra) |
11:45 PM
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| Partial eclipse ends (moon leaves umbra) |
12:54 AM
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| Moon leaves penumbra (slight shading gone
and also gone are the astronomers!) |
2:02 AM
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