TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE
Thursday 13 March from 11pm to 5am CDT
SUMMARY
Overnight excitement at HRPO as we open to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events! While crossing from Leo into Virgo, our Moon will enter Earth’s shadows. There are a variety of shadings the Moon can become, dependent on the state of Earth’s atmosphere. Join us if you can. This will be the last total lunar eclipse seen in its entirety from Baton Rouge for a long time!
IMPORTANT NOTE: This event begins on Thursday evening and ends on Friday morning.
TIMELINE
*HRPO opens to the public = between 10:30pm and 10:55pm
*Moon enters penumbra of Earth’s shadow = 10:57pm
*Moon Reaches 50° Altitude = 11:08pm
*Moon enters umbra of Earth’s shadow = 12:09am
*Moon Reaches 60° Altitude = 12:24am
*Moon Culminates at 62° = 1:10am
*Total Eclipse begins = 1:25am
*Moon Returns to 60° Altitude = 1:52am
*Total Eclipse ends = 2:31am
*Moon Crosses from Leo into Virgo = 2:56am
*Moon Returns to 50° Altitude = 3:11am
*Moon exits umbra of Earth’s shadow = 3:47am
*Moon Returns to 40° Altitude = 4:07am
*Moon exits penumbra of Earth’s shadow = 5:00am
*HRPO closes to the public = 5:00am
HRPO may close early if there is an elevated chance of rain according to NOAA. HRPO property is the only part of Highland Road Park on which the public will be allowed.
THE DANJON SCALE
Want to be a scientist for a night? Within fifteen minutes of mid-eclipse, note the color of the Moon. Memorize what you’ve seen and compare the color to the scale below…
L0 = very dark eclipse: Moon almost invisible (especially at mid-totality)
L1 = dark eclipse: gray or brownish in coloration / details distinguishable only with difficulty
L2 = deep red or rust-colored eclipse: very dark central shadow, while outer edge of umbra is relatively bright
L3 = brick-red eclipse: umbral shadow usually has a bright or yellow rim
L4 = very bright copper-red or orange eclipse: umbral shadow has a bluish, very bright rim
Make sure you form your own assessment of the totally eclipsed Moon’s color before discussing it with anyone else.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
*No white lights are allowed. White light destroys night vision. Please keep headlights off. Please outfit your white flashlights with red construction paper, a red stretch balloon, red cellophane (several layers may be needed to make the light suitably dim) or a thin coat of red nail polish. Please do not use a camera flash upstairs in the dome or outside at the viewing pads without permission from the telescope operators.
*Blankets and lawn chairs are only allowed in the designated viewing area on the southwest side of the main building. You and your group may not use a isolated or secluded area away from everyone else. Please check in at the front desk beforehand. Please do not lie or sit on any concrete (viewing pad or sidewalk). If the ground is moist, bring a tarp or any fabric that can get dirty.
*If a telescope is not in operation, please do not handle it in any way. If a telescope is in operation, please wait until it’s your turn and place your eye to the eyepiece without touching the telescope.
*No glass containers are allowed.
*Pets and animals must remain under control and on a leash at all times.
*Please do not curse or use profane language.
*Litter and refuse are to be placed in proper receptacles.
*Running is not allowed outside at night, or inside at any time.
*Loud music is not allowed. Use headphones or earbuds; nearby people should not be able to hear it.
*Food and drink are allowed outside, and inside on the main floor, but not in either telescope dome or on either telescope pad.
*Alcohol and smoking are not allowed.
*As with all nights, there is no remaining on HRPO property after the public program is concluded.