Goodsell Observatory
Carleton College Observing Event
Total Eclipse of the Moon
October 8, 2014
4:15-6:45 am
We will have the opportunity to see a total eclipse of the Moon before sunrise on Wednesday, October 8. The eclipse will actually begin at 3:17am, but it won’t be noticeable until the Moon touches the Earth’s umbral shadow at 4:17 am. If it is clear, come view a lunar eclipse at Goodsell or watch it at home! Goodsell will be open (only if clear) Wednesday morning October 8 from 4:15-6:45 am. Totality is from 5:27 to 6:22am when the Moon is fully within the Earth’s umbral shadow and the Moon usually turns a beautiful red. The Moon will set while still partially eclipsed. If it is clear, Goodsell telescopes will be open in the domes and several other telescopes and binoculars available outside the Observatory. If you don’t want to come all the way to Goodsell so early in the morning, binoculars at home will do quite well for observing !
Further details of the eclipse can be found at http://www.skyandtelescope.com/
The image below from the above website helps to visualize the event. Sunrise will be at 7:20am, so the eclipsed Moon will be setting in the west when the Sun is rising in the east.
Image courtesy of Sky & Telescope on-line.