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

[Tinkler, James B (CSC) (US SSA)]

***  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.h
tml

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.