The LodeStar Astronomy Center and The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) will present "Haunted Hunter's Moon", a special event celebrating the total lunar eclipse on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004, at the LodeStar Astronomy Center in the Museum of Natural History at 1801 Mountain Road NW in Old Town Albuquerque. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
In a total lunar eclipse, the Moon passes through the Earth's umbra,
the darkest portion of the shadow cast by the Earth. At totality, all of the
Sun is blocked. While in the umbra, the Moon gets much dimmer and typically
turns a ghostly red.
On October 27, the partial eclipse begins at 7:14 p.m. Totality begins at 8:23 p.m. and ends at 9:44 p.m. A variety of TAAS telescopes will be set up outside the Museum entrance for viewing details on the surface of the eclipsed moon. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to watch from beginning to end, and does not cause eye damage.
LodeStar will offer special planetarium shows on moon science and
moon lore, observatory and open-air observing deck viewing, and hands-on
moon-related activities for kids. Planetarium shows begin at 6:30, 7, 7:30,
8, and 8:30 p.m.
Governor Richardson has proclaimed Oct. 27 to be Dark Sky Appreciation Night in New Mexico. During the total eclipse, observers may enjoy the darkened sky by viewing deep-sky objects such as star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae-normally an impossible feat on a full moon night. The telescope viewing provided by TAAS is free.
Admission for the LodeStar planetarium shows, observatory viewing, and kids activities is $6 adults, $5 seniors, and $3 for kids ages 3 to 12.
For more information call 841-5972 or e-mail pr@taas.org.