TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE
Tuesday 3 March beginning at 2:30 CST
SUMMARY
Overnight excitement at HRPO as we open to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events! While crossing from Leo into Sextans and then back into Leo, 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 from Baton Rouge until the summer of 2029!
IMPORTANT NOTE: This event occurs on Tuesday morning before sunrise
TIMELINE
*HRPO opens to the public = between 2am and 2:25am
*Moon enters penumbra of Earth’s shadow = 2:44am
*Moon Reaches 40° Altitude = 3:17am
*Moon enters umbra of Earth’s shadow = 3:50am
*Moon Reaches 30° Altitude = 4:05am
*Moon Reaches 20° Altitude = 4:53am
*Total Eclipse begins = 5:04am
*Moon Reaches 10° Altitude = 5:40am
*Total Eclipse ends = 6:02am
*Moon Reaches 2° Altitude = 6:19am
—This is the lowest altitude visible at the Burbank S.C.’s western horizon.
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 early morning events, there is no arriving on HRPO property until the public program begins.