The party goes from 11 p.m. - 4 a.m., and the eclipse happens from 12:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m. It is also the Winter Solstice that night. Adler telescope volunteers will be on hand and the Doane Observatory will be open for viewing.
The Adler Planetarium will celebrate the winter solstice by hosting a FREE Total Lunar Eclipse Party. Adler educators and astronomers, along with telescope volunteers, will be on hand to facilitate telescope viewing - weather permitting. Visitors can bring their own telescope or use ones provided by the Adler. The next total lunar eclipse visible in the Chicago area will occur on April 15, 2014. A total lunar eclipse takes place when a full Moon passes through the shadow of the Earth. The Earth blocks light from the Sun and casts a shadow that is seen over the entire Moon.
Winter Solstice Eclipse Schedule
12:32 a.m. CST - partial eclipse
1:40 a.m. CST - total eclipse begins
2:17 a.m. CST - point of the greatest eclipse
Free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and light snacks will be provided to visitors beginning at 11p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can enjoy unlimited shows in the Definiti Theater for $5 (free for Adler members). Shows include Journey to the Stars and Night Sky Live. Please note: Adler exhibitions will be closed.
For more information about the total lunar eclipse or the Adler's FREE Total Lunar Eclipse Party, visit www.adlerplanetarium.org . Download a special Adler podcast (episode 17) about moon phases, lunar and solar eclipses on the website, www.adlerplanetarium.org .
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
Eclipse observers will see a darker and reddish-looking Moon as it passes through the Earth's shadow. The exact appearance depends on atmospheric conditions.
Free Total Lunar Eclipse Party
The Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
11 p.m. Monday- Tuesday at 4 a.m.
adlerplanetarium.org
