WWW.ASTRONOMY.COM 59the Harvest Moon (the Full Moon closest to the September equi-
nox) and complete a tetrad (a rare cycle of four total lunar eclipses
in a row, each pair separated by about six months).
The media love coincidences, so social media might just
explode. Religious types may interpret these events as signs from
above, new doomsday prophets may foretell the end of all things,
and history buffs may delve into old records looking for the last
time this occurred.
In this case, any press that gets people to step outside that eve-
ning to behold an astronomical sight is good press. Say what you
will about a Super Moon, but a lunar eclipse will not disappoint.
For viewers on the West Coast and in the mountain states of
America, the Moon will rise already in partial eclipse just after
dark, creating the perfect prime-time backdrop for a skyline or a
national park. In the Midwest and East, Moon-gazers will have
several hours to watch Luna arc above the eastern horizon and
shift through its many eclipsing color variations. It surely will be
shining in the background of the Denver Broncos at the Detroit
Lions Sunday Night Football broadcast. Barring clouds, it will be
viewed by millions of people.
Plan for the astronomical event of 2015
Whether you’re associated with an astronomy club, planetarium,
science center, observatory, or just have an interest in astronomy,
take advantage of this event. Host a Moon-watching celebration,
an eclipse event, a lunatic block party, or a Super Moon extrava-
ganza. Weather permitting, you will be guaranteed an enthusiastic
audience, and this will be your chance to wow them.
Select a memorable viewing location so that the Moon will rise
above a foreground of trees, a city skyline, or distinguishable local
landmarks. Invite guests to bring lawn chairs, blankets, family,
friends, and picnics. Hire a band. Interact with the crowd and
answer questions, point out other astronomical objects in the sky,
or introduce a telescope to share a closer look. For many people,
this will be their first astronomical experience.
These opportunities challenge us as educators and enthusiasts.
During this eclipse, we can turn passing interests into a memo-
rable night and foster curiosity and delight in the field we love.Dean Regas is the astronomer at the Cincinnati Observatory and co-host
of the PBS program Star Gazers.Because of the length of lunar eclipses,
photographers have the opportunity to image each stage.
This sequence records the total lunar eclipse of April 15, 2014. RICHARD BRYANT