Astronomers plan blood moon eclipse event on Armour Hill
The Earth will line up perfectly between our sun and moon Jan. 20. This event, a lunar eclipse, will cause the moon to appear to be red. It will also be the last such event for the next three years.
To celebrate this celestial wonder, the Peterborough Astronomical Association is inviting the public to Armour Hill for a viewing party.
There is no need to bring anything to the viewing party other than warm clothes, organizers say. Unlike in a solar eclipse, where the moon casts a shadow on Earth while passing in between it and the Sun, it is safe to look at the moon. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts a shadow, known as its umbra, on the moon as our planet passes in front of the sun.
If you go to Armour Hill, you’ll have an opportunity to meet others with an interest in the blood moon, and maybe even learn a few things from the facilitators. Given that it’s not harmful to look at the moon while the eclipse is in effect, it’s even encouraged to bring binoculars. If you don’t have your own pair, the PAA will have some on hand, along with telescopes, to help get a closer look at the moon.
The total eclipse, in which the moon changes colour, will begin at 10:41 p.m. The moon will be halfway through the Earth’s shadow at 12:12 a.m. on Jan. 21. The eclipse will visibly end at 1:50 a.m. There will not be another blood moon until May 2022.