Community members viewed lunar eclipse at CCBC Dundalk observatory

Lunar eclipses occur only once or twice a year worldwide, and due to differences in location and both the earth and moon's orbits, Baltimore area residents have the chance to see this phenomenon just once every few years. When one such opportunity presented itself, the public gathered at CCBC Dundalk in the late evening hours of Nov. 8 to view details of the eclipse through the college’s Meade 16-inch LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.

Dave Ludwikoski, assistant professor of Natural Sciences, was on hand to guide viewers through this uncommon celestial event. “Totality of the lunar eclipse occurred at 8 p.m. We were able to see the moon completely enter the earth’s shadow,” said Ludwikoski. “What's interesting is that the full moon didn’t totally disappear, but turned a beautiful shade of rust-red due to the bending of the sunlight through the earth's atmosphere,” he explained.

“Everyone had a good time, especially the kids who participated. It was a bit chilly and windy, but about 30 people came out and many of them brought their own telescopes,” Ludwikoski said.

Future “Star Parties” will be held to observe various objects in the night sky:

If the sky is cloudy or rainy, the event will be rescheduled for the following day (Saturday). For more information on these events or astronomy courses at CCBC Dundalk, call 410-285-9728.