Partial Solar Eclipse of October 23, 2014

Collage of Partial Solar Eclipse
Taken at OCC-OR, Farmingron Hills, MI

There was a viewing of the partial solar eclipse that happened on Thursday - October 23, 2014. Viewing started at 5:30 pm, outside of A-Bldg at OCC-OR. About 40% of the Sun was eclipsed by the moon, and despite the few clouds on the horizon, we were able to get a decent viewing of the event. The Moon started eclipsing the Sun at about 5:39 pm, and continued to cover the Sun throughout the evening as shown in the pictures in this post. Special solar filters were used in the Coronado solarscope, and the 6" Orion telescope. A projection of the sun on a screen was used with the 4.25" Astroscan. Overall, it was a great viewing and we're glad many people were able to witness this event at OCC!

Sun before the eclipse. Notice the size of the Sunspots
Taken by Samer Hariri, 10/23/2014 - Farmington Hills, MI

The beginning of the eclipse

Clouds on the western horizon didn't block our view through the telescopes.

Getting close to maximum eclipse in our area.

Almost at maximum. Notice the mountains on the edge of the Moon.

Projection of the Partial Solar Eclipse using the Astroscan.
Notice the tree line in the right picture as we were nearing the end.

A schematic of how a solar eclipse happens.
Source: http://astronomy.starrynight.com

Eclipse Timetable (EDT - for The Metro Detroit Area)

Eclipse Began – 5:39 pm
Max Eclipse – 6:31 pm

Sun Set - 6:36 pm

WARNING: Never look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse, or EVER! NEVER EVER look at the sun through binoculars or telescopes! Severe eye damage and blindness will most likely occur. Expert sky observers use proper precautions and specially designed solar filters in order to safely view the eclipse.

Total Lunar Eclipse of October 8, 2014

A collage of the Lunar Eclipse.
Note: Only the first half of the eclipse
was visible from Michigan. 

We had a very successful viewing of the Total Lunar Eclipse on October 8. It was great to see a dedicated group of people show up so early to witness the eclipse. The weather was a bit chilly, but the skies were clear and offered us a perfect view of the eclipse, Jupiter, and some winter constellations such as Orion, Canis Major, Auriga, and Taurus. We got the opportunity to view Uranus through the telescope as it was very close to the Moon. We also viewed the Orion Nebula, and Jupiter with it's 4 Galilean moons. Overall, it was an eventful early morning, that ended with the eclipsing moon setting in the west, and the crisp October morning sun rising.

The Lunar Eclipse Close to Totality
Notice the planet Uranus

The Orion Constellation - October 8, 2014
Notice the Orion Nebula

The Orion Nebula - October 8, 2014
Taken with Nikon D5100 w/ 18 mm Nikkor Zoom Lens

The eclipsing Moon setting as the Sun is rising.

Sunrise Animation - October 8, 2014

Sunrise - October 8, 2014
Oakland Community College - Farmington Hills, MI

Lunar Eclipse Viewing - October 8, 2014

Lunar Eclipse on February 20, 2008 - East Lansing, MI

UPDATE
10/7/2014, 11:00 pm EDT

Weather forecast is showing mostly CLEAR SKIES for tomorrow morning. Looks like viewing is a GO! Hope to see you there!

On Wednesday, October 8, there will be a Total Lunar Eclipse that will be visible for us in the Michigan area. The eclipse will happen in the dawn hours on Wednesday morning, and we will be gathering in front of A-Bldg at Orchard Ridge with telescopes and binoculars. Viewing will begin around 6:15 a.m. as the total eclipse will begin at 6:25 a.m. We will gather by the island in the traffic circle in front of A-Bldg.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is located between the Moon and the Sun. This occurs during a full moon phase. The lunar eclipse begins when the Moon enters the partial shadow of Earth, the penumbra, and is greatest when the Moon is in the center of the full shadow of the Earth, the umbra.

Lunar eclipses usually last for a few hours, and are most exciting when seen entering/exiting the umbra. In addition to the Lunar Eclipse this Wednesday, we will also have the opportunity to look at the planet Uranus through the telescope, as it will be very close to the Moon in our sky during that time. Also, you will have the opportunity to view Venus and some other October morning constellations.

The Anatomy of a Lunar Eclipse.
 (Source: http://www.sunwheelgrove.co.uk/cosmos/the-moon)

Lunar Eclipse Time Table (EDT for the Detroit Area)

Partial Eclipse Begins - 5:15 a.m.

Total Eclipse Begins - 6:25 a.m.

Greatest Eclipse - 6:55 a.m.

Total Eclipse Ends - 7:24 a.m.

Moon Sets - 7:44 a.m. 

As always, this viewing is dependent on weather. If the forecast is too cloudy for that morning, there will most likely not be a viewing. If it's crystal clear, we hope to see you there! I will keep everyone posted as we get closer to the date, so WATCH THIS SPACE!

Clear Skies!!

- SHH