Lunar Eclipse Watch Night is A Go!

Hello Community Naturalists! We’re excited to continue with hosting a Lunar Eclipse Watch Night at Arabia Mountain next Thursday Night March 13! This will be a fun opportunity to explore the skies and observe a unique celestial event amongst friends. Please see the details below on what to expect for the night.

Address: We are gathering at Vaughters’ Farm – 3366 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038. This program is NOT happening at Arabia Peak. Vaughters’ Farm is accessible for a wide variety of physical abilities and has a nearby bathroom that will be available for public use throughout the night.

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What to Expect:

Eclipse Viewing & Stargazing – Watch the phases of the eclipse and see the moon’s color change (hopefully). We’ll also explore any visible constellations.

Telescope & Binocular Rentals (free) – View the moon up close using our telescopes and binoculars (bring your own if you have them to allow opportunities for others who don’t own their own).

Self-Guided Exploration – Find your own sky viewing spot at the farm and take some time to explore the stars. Snacks and hot drinks will be available.

Event Schedule – This is an open-house-style program; come anytime and stay as long as you like. Although this is an open-house program, we will be conducting different activities at various times throughout the night.

11:00 PM – Check-in & Nighttime

• Stargazing 101 & Guided Skywatching w/ Binoculars and Telescopes
• Warm Drinks and Snacks available

11:50 AM – Eclipse Begins

• The penumbral phase starts as the moon begins to darken. We’ll dedicate some time to observe it with our astronomy tools.
• Participants will have the option to hike the meadow at night, or hang out near the barn to skywatch in peace.
• Ranger Shaundon will be leading a short night hike around Vaughters’ Meadow at 12:30pm.

2:00 AM – Peak Total Eclipse

• The eclipse will peak a little after 2am, and will last for 70 minutes. This is the best time for viewing and photos, so we’ll have free exploration time for everyone to enjoy the moment.
• Whether or not the moon will turn red will depend on atmospheric conditions.

4:00 AM – Final Viewing & Wrap-Up

• Watch Night officially ends.
• Stay as long as you’d like to stargaze before heading home.

How to Prepare:

Dress for the weather – It will likely be cold at night. Layers are recommended. We will be outside for the entire night.
Bring a blanket or chair – There is plenty of room at the farm for everyone to set up chairs or blankets. You may pick your own viewing spot to set up at.
Flashlight, Headlamp, and/or Lantern – Helps maintain night vision. Though there will be specific times of the night when everyone will need to
Pack snacks & water – We will have limited snacks and tea available, but we recommend bringing your own snacks as preferred.

Important Notes:

• This is MOSTLY a self-guided event. Outside of designated presentation times at 11pm, 12:30am, and 2am, participants should expect to be doing their own nighttime observations. Though Ranger Shaundon will be available onsite for support.
• Weather Clause: Rain or overcast skies will cancel the event.

Questions? Contact Ranger Shaundon at sjmoore@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 470-464-0136. Register here or at the link below.