August: The Month for Eclipses
This August the Earth will be treated to both a Solar and Lunar Eclipse. Melbourne Planetarium Astronomer, Dr Tanya Hill, is available for expert comment regarding these special events.
On Friday 1 August the Northern Hemisphere will experience a Total Solar Eclipse that will be seen across Canada, northern Greenland, the Arctic, central Russia, Mongolia and China. It will be visible as a partial eclipse from a wider area including parts of North America, Europe and Asia.
Melbournians will have to wait until later in August to see their eclipse. Before sunrise on the 17 August, the Earth’s shadow will cross the face of the Moon, causing a Partial Lunar Eclipse. The initial phase will be visible before the Moon sets in the west, moments before the eclipse reaches its maximum.
Dr Tanya Hill, Melbourne Planetarium Astronomer said “This eclipse will be interesting to see with the Moon sinking towards the west. An effect known as the Moon illusion should kick in, where the Moon seems to appear bigger than normal when it is near the horizon.”
It is completely safe to watch a Lunar Eclipse and no special equipment is needed. As the Moon sets just under 80% of the Moon’s diameter will be covered by the Earth’s shadow.
Discover the Night Sky at Scienceworks
General public can quench their thirst for astronomy at the Discover the Night Sky Planetarium program at Scienceworks throughout August. These special after-dark sessions include complimentary wine and cheese, the opportunity to chat to the Planetarium’s Astronomer and the chance to be immersed in a Planetarium experience. The evening will end with stargazing through telescopes (weather permitting).
Each evening will showcase a different aspect of the night sky:
Thursday 7 August: Deep Sky Wonders
Explore some of the most exciting highlights the sky has to offer. Get up close and personal with magnificent galaxies, sparkling star clusters, mysterious gas clouds and much more.
Thursday 14 August: Backyard Astronomy
It’s not just stars you can see in the night sky – planets, comets, shooting stars and satellites are all there if you know when and where to look. Navigate by the stars and discover how you can become a backyard astronomer.
Thursday 21 August: Travel the Universe
We invite you on a tour of the Universe that will take you from Spotswood to the far reaches of space. You know the Universe is big, really big, but nothing can compare with experiencing it for yourself.
Thursday 28 August: Leaving Earth
It’s been 50 years since the first satellite was launched into space. Now one of them is a permanent home. See what it’s like to live in space; why do we go there and where are we heading next?
Date: Thursday evenings throughout August 2008.
Session times: Commence 7pm.
Cost: $25 per person, MV members $20, Season pass $85.
Bookings essential: Call 03 9392 4819 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
