Lunar Eclipse At PARI

Join us for an Enchanting Evening Event: The Penumbral Lunar Eclipse at PARI!
Date: March 24th – 25th, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM March 24th – 12:00 noon March 25th

Get ready for a night of cosmic enchantment! Picture the dark canvas of space sprinkled with twinkling jewels of stars as the Moon undergoes a transformation from bright to dark and bright again. Your night will be filled with education, fascination, and inspiring sights of the night sky. Here’s what’s in store for you:

Gates Open: 7:00 PM This is the time to begin your arrival. You will be checked in at the gatehouse by a staff member and directed to parking near where your lodgings for the night are located. Proceed from here to your lodgings and settle in. Gates will close for arrivals at 8:00 PM.

Eclipse Education Session: 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM Step into the fascinating realm of eclipses as our knowledgeable experts guide you through the science and wonder behind these mesmerizing phenomena. Learn about the different types of eclipses, their orbital mechanics, and the safety measures necessary for observing them.

Guided Museum Tour: 9:15 PM – 11:00 PM Explore our captivating museum exhibits. Our knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer your questions. From historical astronomical artifacts to minerals, meteorites, and more, our museum holds a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be discovered.

Lunar Late-Night Breakfast: 11:00 PM – 12:15 AM Savor a delicious breakfast spread as you mingle with fellow enthusiasts. Engage in captivating conversations about the universe, eclipses, and everything in between. PARI staff will have telescopes on the deck outside of the dining hall during this time to show some of the other highlights of the night sky before the eclipse begins.

Get Ready To Observe: 12:15 AM – 12:53 AM Find a great spot to observe. PARI will have a variety of areas with chairs and picnic tables set up for you. Or, bring your own chairs or blankets and pick a spot on a grassy hillside or around our pond to prepare for the Earth’s shadow to pass across the Moon.

Eclipse Viewing: 12:53 AM – 5:32 AM Relax and witness the enchanting transformation of the Moon as the shadow of the Earth gently blankets the Moon in this Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. The peak of the eclipse is at about 3:12 AM. Comfortable seating is available, or feel free to bring your own. You may bring binoculars or your own telescope or photography equipment to observe.

Check out: 12:00 noon, March 25th.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the Earth tuck in the Moon with its gentle shadow on this spring night, delve into the science of eclipses, and immerse yourself in a day of discovery and wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about the cosmos, our event promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Please note that this is a Penumbral eclipse, not an umbral eclipse. Therefore, the Moon will not completely disappear, but will dim, as the Earth’s shadow moves across it.

Limited spots available! Reserve your place today and be part of this celestial extravaganza. See you under the stars!

This is a rain or shine event. In the event of weather that restricts outdoors viewing, the event will still be held. No refunds will be given.