[Atmob-announce] Lunar Eclipse Observing Opportunity - Clay Center Observatory, Brookline

[Bruce Tinkler]

***  There may be a *unique* opportunity for observing at the observatory
tonight, if you get a chance, stop by!!! ***

**
*LUNAR ECLIPSE TONIGHT - Wednesday
*2/20/2008
8:30 PM to 10:30 PM

The LAST Lunar Eclipse for this area until 2010.

Although you can see it from home, the Clay Center will have astronomers and
telescopes available from 8:30 - 10:30 PM for those who want to stop
by, *weather
permitting. (A weather update about go or no go will be posted on the web
site at 7:30 pm. Please check there before driving all the way in case we
don't open.)
*
 The partial eclipse begins at 8:43 and total eclipse begins at 10:01.

For more information, visit the NASA web site:
http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/LEmono/TLE2008Feb21/TLE2008Feb21.html

Location: Clay Center Observatory
Contact: Bob Phinney

Directions:
 Follow Route 9 into Brookline. At the Brookline Reservoir turn south onto
Lee Street, which merges with Clyde Street; continue to the end at the
traffic lights. Turn left onto Newton Street and follow for about 1/4 mile
to Boston/Brookline town line. Watch on the right for distinctive tan stucco
buildings with red roofs. Take right onto St. Paul's Avenue, a private way,
and proceed to the appropriate entrance.

   Weather permitting, and depending on what is in the sky each week, we
will point the telescope toward some interesting objects which may include
planets, the Moon, and stars.  Also enjoy a panoramic view of greater Boston
from the observation decks, and walk among the constellations on the Stars
Courtyard lit by fiber optics.  Children are welcome, but must be supervised
and remain with parents at all times. Grandparents and friends are also
welcome.

Please REGISTER using the form below for this event. This will help us plan
accordingly to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for everyone. If
weather is rainy or overcast, we will not open.  In case of questionable
weather, call 617-454-2795 one hour before the event for a recorded
message.

For future reference please bookmark www.claycenter.org/astro.

  Astronomy FAQ
        *Q.*  *What is the temperature inside the observatory?* *A.*  It
will be as hot or cold inside the dome as it is outside. We suggest that you
wear a warm jacket on cool nights. The rest of the 5th floor facility is
heated, so you may go there to warm up.

    *Q.*  *Will we still see anything if the sky is partly cloudy?* *A.*  Yes,
we can work around larger clouds by pointing the telescope at objects in a
clearer part of the sky. The telescope will often be able to "see through"
thin, wispy clouds. If the weather looks doubtful, please call 617-454-2795
an hour before the event to confirm whether it is on or postponed.

    *Q.*  *How will you handle a large group in the Observatory?* *A.*  The
25-foot diameter dome has enough space for at least 20 adults at a time.  If
we have more people than that, we may break into groups and circulate
through the observatory and back to the 5th floor multi-purpose room. The
observatory has two staircases and air-locks to facilitate traffic flow.

    *Q.*  *Is the observatory wheelchair accessible?* *A.*  Yes. Very few
observatories are, but we made it a priority in our design of the facility.
After taking the elevator to the 5th level of the Clay Center, there is an
HP lift that goes to the observatory air-lock level, and another that goes
from there up to the floor of the observatory. Please notify us in advance
so that we may have a special viewing camera and monitor ready if a member
of your party will unable to stand to reach the telescope eyepiece.

    *Q.*  *Why do you start the event so late?* *A.*  We schedule them for
the earliest time that the sky is dark enough to enjoy viewing with
telescopes. We schedule according to sunset and Daylight Savings time shift.
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