The NJSEA will host a viewing of the upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse at its William D. McDowell Observatory in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst from 10:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, to 1 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21. This is the first Total Lunar Eclipse visible from North America since 2015. The eclipse begins at 10:34 p.m. The moon will be in full eclipse from 11:41 p.m. to 12:43 a.m.

The Observatory holds 20 people at one time. The eclipse can also be viewed from the ground with binoculars and portable telescopes. Visitors are encouraged to bring lounge chairs and their own viewing instruments while they wait to enter the Observatory.

In addition, astronomers and volunteers will talk about eclipses and answer questions throughout the evening in the Science Center, which is adjacent to the Observatory.

Note: No food or drinks will be available. Please dress appropriately for the weather. The Observatory is not heated.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. Check www.meadowblog.net for updates, or call 201-615-8570.

About the Total Lunar Eclipse:

A Total Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow completely covers the moon. The moon usually appears a reddish color due to refraction of light in the Earth’s atmosphere and is sometimes called a Blood Moon. Totality during a lunar eclipse normally lasts about an hour, whereas a total solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view without any eye protection or special precautions, as they are dimmer than the full moon.