Lunar Eclipse Stargazing
- Durée: 90 Minutes (environ)
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
Monday 25/03/2024
Eclipse time: 7pm - 8:30pm
Tour times: 7pm - 8:30pm
What is this event?
On this first (and last) lunar eclipse for 2024, you will see a darkening of the Full Moon created by the shadow of the Earth projected onto the Moon.
What to expect:
- a live commentary of the Eclipse as it is happening
- telescope viewing of the Eclipse
- scientific explanation of this phenomenon
- and of course all the joy of our regular stargazing tours (telescope viewing of Deep Sky objects, laser-guided constellation storytelling, naked-eye astronomy, binocular viewing and hot chocolate!)
The tour will start right at the peak of the Eclipse which is also the moment when the Moon rises. Dimitri our astronomer always says that Moon rises are the most underrated celestial phenomenon - as the Moon reddens and looks enormous on the horizon!
The peak of the eclipse will last for about 10-20 minutes and the Moon will brighten again progressively.
Follow the dates for the next Eclipses: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/australia/sydney
Will this be a “Blood moon”? No but…
Blood Moons is the astrological name given to Full Lunar Eclipses. In that occasion the Moon is looking a deep crimson colour as all the sunsets of Earth are projected on the surface of the Moon.
This Penumbral Eclipse is not a Blood Moon since only a part of the Moon is being masked by the shadow of the Earth.
Having said that, because the Moon is rising at the peak of the Eclipse on March 25, it will actually be really red for about 10-15 minutes - but that’s got nothing to do with a Blood Moon! Are you still with me?!
Please Note:
The Penumbral eclipses are the least spectacular of all Lunar eclipses - but it still worth witnessing that cosmic alignment! There is no guarantee that will be able to see the Moon or the Eclipse during the night - in that case you will still get to enjoy the magic of our usual stargazing tours. The Eclipse comes as a nifty perk!
What to bring:
a Camping Chair or picnic rug (we will have some blankets available)
Location:
We will email you the secret location 24 hours before the tour.
Weather:
Please be aware that stargazing tours are weather dependent, they may be canceled in case of cloud cover meaning no visible stars.
If it is overcast, you will receive an email at 2 pm on the day of the tour.
In the event of bad weather, we will give you 2 options:
Choose to receive a gift voucher/credit to reschedule your tour (transferable to other people and valid for 3 years)
Choose to attend our alternative 90-min indoor Planetarium Astronomy tour located at 77 Scott avenue in Leura. It is an immersive astronomy tour taking place inside a dome with a powerful projector and cinema experience. We need a minimum of 8 guests in order to run the indoor tour. We will have limited space for the planetarium.
Accessibility: Please note the venue of the Planetarium that we rent has doors that are 76 cm wide, so unfortunately not all electric wheelchairs fit.
If you haven’t received an email at 2 pm on the day of the tour, it means the stargazing tour is confirmed.
Please note that no refund will be offered in case of bad weather.
Please check our Terms and Conditions/Cancellation Policies.