INA, Ill. (Sept. 11, 2015) - Join Greg Hollmann, Rend Lake College General Science Associate Professor, and other local astronomy enthusiasts to learn about a lunar eclipse later this month, and in October, about many different stars and constellations.
On Sunday, Sept. 27, a total lunar eclipse of the moon will be visible in the Midwest during the evening hours. At the Lunar Eclipse Viewing, Hollmann will give attendee the chance to see the event up-close and learn about the moon, its cycle of phases, and the reasons for the eclipse. Participants can also use the college’s telescope throughout the evening.
Hollmann says a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks the sunlight that would normally reflect off a full moon. Sometimes known as a “blood moon,†the eclipse will appear with a coppery-red color during the event, which will last a few hours.
“This is a nice opportunity for people to use the college’s equipment to see the eclipsing moon and view the eclipse with others who are interested in it. That experience really enhances the evening and the event,†said Hollmann. “In addition to using the college’s telescope, there will be other equipment available and activities for kids involving the moon phases and Oreo cookies.â€
The lunar eclipse will begin at 7:11 p.m., with the height of the eclipse hitting at 9:47 p.m. The event will end shortly after midnight at 12:22 a.m. Hollmann said there will be plenty of opportunity for attendees to use the telescope throughout the evening.
Participants can come any time between 6:30 - 10 p.m. to the Science Building, Room 110, on the Ina campus. Attendance costs $5 and refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, Sept. 23.
In October, Hollmann will visit the Mt. Vernon Municipal Airport for an evening of stargazing at Stars and Constellations. This family-friendly night will involve looking at and learning about a number of different constellations and the mythology and science behind them. Participants will also use the college’s telescope to view Saturn.
“Essentially, we’ll be taking the time to point out some popular constellations and talk about their mythology,†said Hollmann. “We’ll break out the college’s telescope again this night to look at Saturn and other objects too.â€
Those interested are required to pre-register by Friday, Oct. 9. The event lasts from 7 - 9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, and costs $3. Hot cider will be served.
For more information, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714 or 1380 or at commcorped@rlc.edu.