Look Up: Cernan Center to Host Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party Aug. 27

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — The moon may look a little different on the night of Aug. 27, when the August full moon slips into the Earth’s shadow and puts on a celestial show above Triton College.

Late into the evening, the moon will drift deep into the Earth’s shadow, resulting in a partial lunar eclipse. The phenomenon will be visible from parts of Europe and Africa and much of North and South America, including the Triton College campus.

The Cernan Earth and Space Center will host a free, family-friendly viewing party on Aug. 27, giving the public an opportunity to witness the eclipse alongside local astronomy experts. Telescopes will be available for public viewing on the campus lawn.

“The universe is giving us a pretty spectacular reason to stay up late,” said Kris Kovach McCall, Cernan Center director. “Bring a chair, grab some binoculars and join us at the Cernan Center for an evening under the stars. You never know what you might discover when you take a moment to look up.”

To preview what attendees can expect, watch this short eclipse explainer featuring Kovach McCall.

While the moon won’t be fully eclipsed by the Earth, it will come close, with roughly 96% of the moon expected to pass behind the Earth’s dark umbra at the peak of the eclipse. With only a narrow rim remaining exposed to sunlight, the moon may take on a rusty copper hue.

Kovach McCall encourages attendees to bring binoculars, lawn chairs, picnic blankets and snacks. Those who own telescopes are also welcome to bring them. But leave the eclipse glasses at home, because you won’t need them, she said.

Unlike a solar eclipse, during which the moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks sunlight, a lunar eclipse can be viewed safely without eye protection. In fact, Kovach McCall said the best way to observe the lunar eclipse is with a pair of binoculars.

According to Kovach McCall, the partial eclipse will begin at approximately 9:33 p.m. and reach maximum eclipse around 11:14 p.m. The moon will pass out of the Earth’s umbra at approximately 12:52 a.m. on Aug. 28.

The event is weather permitting. In the event of cloudy skies or inclement weather, the viewing party may be canceled. For updates, follow the Cernan Earth and Space Center on Facebook at facebook.com/cernancenter. For more information, contact cernan@triton.edu.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.