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Star Party: Lunar Eclipse Edition
Sunday | January 20, 2019 | 8:30 pm–Monday | January 21, 2019 | 12:00 am
Event Navigation
8:30 pm – Midnight
Join the Bell Museum astronomy crew for a very special outdoor observation event for the total lunar eclipse—a dramatic finale to our first Space Fest! Friends from the Minnesota Astronomical Society will join us outside on the recreation fields next to the museum. The event is informal and family-friendly (recommended ages 7+). Be sure to dress for the weather–warm layers recommended.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. January’s eclipse also happens to be a Super Moon, when the full Moon is near perigee (its closest point to Earth in its orbit around the Earth). Bonus: this is also a great time for stargazing as moon is less than 100th the amount of brightness, making stars appear brighter and clearer.
Admission is free, but donations are welcome and appreciated.
Eclipse timing
Partial begins: 9:34 pm
Total begins: 10:41 pm
Mid-eclipse: 11:12 pm
Total ends: 11:43 pm
Partial ends: 12:51 am, Jan 21 (the museum event ends at midnight)
Important Details
The museum’s galleries will not be open this evening.
Our main lobby area, Horizon Hall, will be open and bathroom facilities will be available. There will be select activities indoors, as well as a brief orientation event in the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium (8:50-10:30pm). Planetarium seating is limited. First-come, first-served tickets will be available at the front desk when you check in.
Click here if you’re interested in attending
Note: Adding your name to the list does not guarantee you a space in the event of parking or building capacity issues.
Free Shuttle Parking
We anticipate a very large crowd, so take advantage of FREE shuttle parking for the event. Park in the back lot of the Spire Credit Union off of Larpenteur and Prior Aves. The shuttle runs from 8 pm – 12 am. Remember to dress for the weather!