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There is a total lunar eclipse happening on Pi Day!The William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College will host a free telescope viewing of the total lunar eclipse on Friday, March 14, weather permitting.
In Champaign, the Moon will start to get a little dimmer at about 11 p.m. on March 13 and begin moving into Earth's umbra, or full shadow, just after midnight. The total eclipse begins around 1:30 a.m. and will last for over an hour.
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth goes between the Sun and the Moon. Normally, one would see a full moon, but Earth's shadow can cover the Moon entirely, making it much dimmer. A total lunar eclipse looks red due to sunlight refracted through Earth's atmosphere. Essentially, the Moon is being lit up by all of Earth's sunrises and sunsets.
Planetarium staff, members of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society, and the Parkland Astronomy Club will set up several telescopes outside the planetarium so visitors can look at the Moon. The circle drive outside the planetarium and the theatre will be blocked off to allow for pedestrian traffic. Visitors should park in the M1 parking lot.
Please note that the event will be cancelled if clouds obscure the Moon.
Photo credit: Jeff Bryant
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College, 2400 W. Bradley Ave.,Champaign, Illinois, United States
