‘Super’ lunar eclipse coming Sunday
MOREAU, N.Y. >> Night sky enthusiasts might have an opportunity to view an upcoming lunar eclipse at Moreau Lake State Park’s new observatory.
A 90-minute program to see the super wolf blood moon is tentatively scheduled for 11 p.m. Sunday.
The park’s maintenance team built the observatory’s 10-foot by 10-foot platform and dome adja- cent to the beach, and staff are trying to prepare it for public use in time for this weekend’s celestial event.
“The observatory will be used during significant astrological events like meteor showers or lunar eclipses,” said Alan Trepper, assistant park manager. “In the future, we will be getting a solar filter to safely view the sun. This will give us a chance to use the telescope during daylight hours.”
This will be the only total lunar eclipse of 2019. Such events occur when the Earth moves between the sun and moon, casting a shadow over the moon.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac says there are specific reasons for calling this one the super wolf blood moon.
The name “blood moon” comes from dark red color that glows during a total eclipse. The moon will go through different phases during the first hour, turning orange and then red, almost resembling Mars.
The eclipse will begin at 10:31 p.m. and reach totality at 11:41 p.m.
A “super moon” is when the moon closest to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
The term “wolf” goes back to Native American tribes and early colonists who used it to define any full moon in January, the Almanac says.
There won’t be another total lunar eclipse until 2021.
Lunar eclipses may be viewed safely without eye protection.
However, this weekend’s fore-
cast calls for frigid nighttime temperatures so people, whether at the park or standing outside at home, should dress warm, wrap up with blankets and have hot beverages on hand.
If the park program is held, plans calls for an educator and local astronomer to be on hand, sharing information.
Also, the observatory’s telescope can be hooked up to a projector and views of the moon can be shown on a large inflatable screen, so people don’t have to take turns looking through the eyepiece.
There is a $1 fee for children and seniors, $2 for all others. For event confirmation and information call (518) 793- 0511.