The next lunar eclipse occurs on September 27, 2015 in North America. This is the fourth and final eclipse in a series of total lunar eclipses. The next total eclipse visible from this area won’t happen until January 2019, so enjoy this one while you can!
To watch a lunar eclipse all you need is a clear sky. If you want to join others to observe the eclipse, a list of events hosted by GLAAC members is below.
The eclipse begins with a slight dimming of the Moon as it passes into Earth’s penumbra. In Michigan, that happens at about 8:10, about an hour after moonrise, so the Moon will be in the east.
The better part of the eclipse begins at 9:07, when the Moon begins to enter the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow, the umbra. Between then and 10:11 you’ll be able to watch the dark, reddish shadow creep across the Moon’s face. Totality runs from 10:11 until 11:23 pm, with the deepest, and usually darkest part of the eclipse at 10:47. From 11:23 to 12:27 the umbra retreats from the Moon, and the eclipse ends completely at around 1:22 AM.
Events
Events are weather permitting, except where specified otherwise
- Astronomy Club at Eastern Michigan University:
Sherzer Obervatory beginning at 9 pm - Ford Amateur Astronomy Club:
Spring Mill Pond, Island Lake State Rec. Area, Brighton, beginning at 7 PM;
Lincoln Park High School’s Hector J Robinson Observatory beginning at sunset (for info, call 313-444-5850) - UM Student Astronomical Society:
Thompson St. Parking Structure, Ann Arbor, beginning at 8 PM - University Lowbrow Astronomers:
County Farm Park, Ann Arbor, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM - Warren Astronomical Society:
Cranbrook Institute of Science (must preregister!), Bloomfield Hills, 6PM-midnight;
Stargate Observatory @ Wolcott Mill Metropark, Ray Township, 8pm-midnight - Wayne State University:
Wayne State Planetarium, Old Main, Detroit, 8-11:30 (RSVP requested)