During the evening of Thursday, March 13, and the early hours of Pi Day, Friday, March 14, join experts at the Rice Creek Observatory to view the total lunar eclipse — watching as the Earth's shadow completely obscures the Moon and only a dim, reddish or brownish cast remains. Observing will begin at 7 pm, with the viewing of celestial objects like Venus and Jupiter. Then, the main event — the eclipse — will begin at 1:09 am on Friday, Mar 14, enter totality from 2:26 am until 3:31 am, and end at 4:47 am.

Before and during the eclipse, visitors will have the chance to gaze at the moon through a dedicated telescope and additional celestial objects through a second telescope. Apple pie and pizza pie will be available free of charge to attendees, along with assorted hot beverages.

Weather Dependent

Since clear weather is needed for observing the night sky, interested participants should call (315) 312-6620 after 6 pm and again after 10 pm on the evening of the event to hear a recorded message announcing whether or not the weather conditions will allow the session to take place.

Remote Viewing

Virtual viewing of this event is also possible through a live stream on the YouTube.com/@PompeyObservatory channel. 

Transportation & Parking

Free parking is available at the Field Station, located at 193 Thompson Road in Oswego.

Free student transportation is available. Please meet the Rice Creek van at the Marano Campus Center bus stop at 1 am or 2 am. You can return at 1:45 or 2:45 am. Remember to call the weather update number (315) 312-6620 after 10 pm to verify that conditions will allow the program to take place.

Personnel

This event is hosted by Dr. Kamal Jabbour, a visiting scholar at the Rice Creek Observatory, and Dr. John Zielinski, a retired SUNY Oswego faculty member in astronomy.

Additional Information

Individuals with disabilities needing accommodations to attend this event should contact Rice Creek at rcfs@oswego.edu at least 48 hours prior to the event.

Additional telescope observation nights can be seen on the monthly telescope event page. 

Image Credit: NASA/Michael DeMocker