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View the Last Total Lunar Eclipse Until 2010
2-07-08
Queens, N.Y. – Stargazers can observe this year’s only total lunar eclipse at the New York Hall of Science from 7:30 – 10:15 pm on Wednesday, February 20. This will be the first of two lunar eclipses in 2008, and the only total eclipse. The next total lunar eclipse will not occur until December 21, 2010.
“Eclipses have fascinated humans for tens of thousands of years,” said Hall CEO and President Marilyn Hoyt. "And here we’ll have our own New York eclipse and a great eclipse program all in one evening.”
The evening will begin with a 30-minute presentation on the science of lunar eclipses by Frank Signorello, the Hall’s Vice President of Professional Development. The presentation, which includes audience participation, will take place in the Auditorium and will be followed by a brief Q & A session. Computer access to online eclipse information will be available all evening in the Deborah & Edward Horowitz Technology Gallery.
The program will move to the Plaza, which overlooks the Hall’s award-winning Science Playground, in time to observe the partial eclipse that starts at 8:43 pm. The total eclipse begins at 10:01 pm. The viewing will end at 10:15 pm.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes completely behind the earth’s shadow. This is called the umbral shadow. The moon will take about an hour and 20 minutes to pass through the penumbral shadow before and after the total eclipse, during which the otherwise full moon may be mistaken as having a phase.
Entrance to this special event is $5 ($4 for Hall members). Parking is free. Please call 718.699.0467 to RSVP. Event will be held rain or shine.
Please note, the following areas will be open during this event: Auditorium, Plaza viewing area, Café, and the Science Shop. Restrooms will be available for visitor use during the program.
The New York Hall of Science is New York City’s hands-on science and technology center. More than 400 interactive exhibits explore the wonder and excitement of biology, chemistry and physics. For directions, and other information, please visit www.nyscience.org or call 718.699.0005.
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