Rowan University’s Edelman Planetarium hosts Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party

The Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University will host a Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party on Sunday, Jan. 20, into Monday, Jan. 21, at the planetarium on the grounds of Science Hall, off Rt. 322, on the Glassboro campus.

On Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, the Moon will slip into Earth's shadow, turning a deep red color as it progresses into a total lunar eclipse.

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth's shadow blocks the sun's light, which otherwise reflects off the Moon. There are three types — total, partial and penumbral — with the most dramatic being a total lunar eclipse, in which Earth's shadow completely covers the moon. The Moon won't completely disappear, but it will be cast in an eerie darkness that makes it easy to miss if individuals are not looking for the eclipse. Some sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere is scattered and refracted, or bent, and refocused on the Moon, giving it a dim, sometimes red, glow even during totality, giving rise to the term "blood Moon."

Rowan guests will be able to observe the lunar eclipse with their own eyes through telescopes on the grounds around Science Hall. Astronomy faculty and club members will be on hand to operate the telescopes and guide visitors as they view objects in the night sky.

Additionally, the evening will include planetarium shows featuring live tours of the night sky (every 20 minutes until 1 a.m. and every 30 minutes afterwards, depending on demand).

A list of start and end times for the eclipse is below:

9:36 p.m.:          Penumbral eclipse begins
10:33 p.m.:        Partial eclipse begins; Moon starts to turn red
11:31 p.m.:        Total eclipse begins; Moon is completely red
12:43 a.m.         Total eclipse ends
1:50 a.m.            Partial eclipse ends
2:48 a.m.            Penumbral eclipse end

In the event of clouds or poor viewing conditions, the event will be canceled. Weather calls will be made by 3 p.m. on Jan. 20.