
Lunar Eclipse Watch Night
Mar 14 @ 12:00 am - 5:30 am
FREEThis Event is Tentative! Complete Our Survey
Due to logistical challenges, we need to gauge community interest before moving forward with plans for the Lunar Eclipse Watch Night. Please help us by completing our survey here and signing up for the “Interest Ticket.” If we receive enough interest registrations by March, we’ll proceed with hosting the event. Thank you for your input!
Event Overview
Join us for an exciting night of guided astronomy at Arabia Mountain as we observe this year’s lunar eclipse! Enjoy storytelling under the stars, camp-style nature activities, and guided explorations of the night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be provided for sky viewing, but feel free to bring your own equipment to enhance the experience.
Event Highlights
- Guided Eclipse Viewing: Observe the full lunar eclipse as the Earth’s shadow covers the moon. Under ideal conditions, the moon will even take on a stunning red hue. Telescopes and binoculars will be available for a closer look.
- Camp-Style Activities: Enjoy storytelling, guided night hikes, nature crafts, and stay warm with hot snacks and drinks.
- Sky Presentations: Explore visible constellations and dive into the science behind the stars. Have a telescope you’re unsure how to use? Learn how to assemble and operate basic telescopes with expert guidance.
Tentative Schedule
11:00 PM Thursday Night: Early Arrival Activities
- Nature crafts, Skyviewing 101 presentations, and Nighttime nature hikes.
12:00 AM Friday: Lunar Eclipse Penumbral Stage
- Observe the penumbral phase of the lunar eclipse.
- Telescopes and Constellations Presentations
- Hot Drinks and Snacks
- Nighttime Wildlife Exploration
2AM: Total Eclipse
- Witness the totality of the Lunar Eclipse
4:00 AM: Closing Observations
- Post-eclipse stargazing with a focus on deep-sky objects.
- Light breakfast snacks (e.g., muffins, granola bars, coffee) to fuel the journey home.
What to Bring
- Warm clothing and blankets (temperatures may drop significantly at night).
- A comfortable chair or blanket for skywatching.
- Flashlight or headlamp with a red filter to protect night vision.
- Optional: Bring your own binoculars or telescopes. Also, bring your own food/snacks as needed. We will only have light snacks available.
Key Information
- Age Recommendations: This event is family-friendly, but the late hours may not be suitable for young children.
- Meeting Location: To Be Determined
- Weather Contingency: The event is weather-dependent. In the event of poor viewing conditions, registrants will be notified of alternative plans or cancellation.