Lunar Eclipse Tonight!

This year's only lunar eclipse happens tonight, and is visible throughout North America. It starts at 10:33 PST (that's 1:33 AM Tuesday for those on the East Coast), with total eclipse at 12:17 AM PST (3:17 AM EST) and ending at 2:01 AM PST (5:01 EST). Just a reminder - this is a lunar eclipse, which means that Earth will move directly between the moon and the sun; Earth's shadow will fall on the moon, darkening it and, during totality, giving the moon an eerie reddish hue.

Would you like to know more about eclipses? Say so in the comments section and I will be glad to devote a new post to the topic.

International Observe the Moon Night

Saturday August 18th is International Observe the Moon Night. With partnerships and sponsoring organizations all over the world, people everywhere will get the chance to observe the moon. For events near your area, click here. If you are in my area, come see me at Markham Park, where I'll be stationed with the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association. We, like other groups around the world, will be showing people the moon through telescopes and talking about the moon, as well as offering hands-on activities for people of all ages. Hope to see you there!

For information about the event, visit the Observe the Moon website.

National Astronomy Day

I know I've been remiss in my posts of late, but I can't let today pass without reminding you that Saturday, May 2 is International Astronomy Day. Wherever you are, find an event and celebrate this exciting day with your loved ones. If you are in the Santa Barbara area, the Museum of Natural History will be hosting their annual festivities, including live science demos, make-and-take crafts for kids, lots of planetarium shows, a speaker from JPL to talk about a next-generation Mars robot, and a free telescope raffle.
I'll be at the Miami Science Center with Hubbystronomer and Little Dudestronomer. If you're in the area, I'll hope to see you there. If you're elsewhere, make sure to celebrate Astronomy Day!