On March 13 and 14 we will observe a “red Moon,” as a total lunar eclipse is popularly known. Throughout Mexico, we will observe our natural satellite passing through the shadow of the Earth for several hours, so it will first darken and then light up with slightly reddish, orange or copper colors.
“It is very worthwhile to enjoy this spectacle,” said René Ortega Minakata of the Institute of Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics (IRyA) at UNAM, Campus Morelia. “It can be observed from anywhere with the naked eye, but at UNAM Campus Morelia we will observe with telescopes free of charge for the public, and we will also stream the eclipse live on our social media,” he commented.
“Starting at 10:00 pm we will have hands-on activities, a talk, a projection of the Moon, projections inside the mobile planetarium and, starting at 11:10 pm there will observe the partial phase of the eclipse with telescopes and with the naked eye,” said Ortega Minakata about the event at UNAM Campus Morelia, located on Ant. Carretera a Pátzcuaro, in front of Tenencia Morelos. “The event concludes at the end of the total phase of the eclipse, at 1:30 am. We invite everyone to enjoy the eclipse on our Campus.”
For those who do not live in Morelia, IRyA will stream the eclipse live on its social media (Youtube and Facebook). “We will appreciate the eclipse through a telescope during the broadcast, starting at 11:00 pm and ending at 1:30 am,” said Ortega Minakata.
There are many popular beliefs surrounding eclipses, especially about whether it is safe to observe them or if they cause harm to people, plants or animals. “Lunar eclipses are completely safe and can be enjoyed with the naked eye without the need for protection or special equipment, and they do not cause any harm to any living being,” pointed out Ortega Minakata.
Live stream of the eclipse (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/live/wg0mo3FAYuY?si=YKqSYfTGFU5TNijX
Program for the observation event at UNAM Campus Morelia.
Top image: Total lunar eclipse in Morelia, Mexico, in 2022. Credit: Bernardo Cervantes (IRyA).
About IRyA, UNAM
The Instituto de Radioastronomía y Astrofísica (IRyA), or Institute for Radioastronomy and Astrophysics is an academic unit at UNAM, Campus Morelia, Mexico. The Institute’s personnel perform high-level and high-impact research in the areas of interstellar medium, star formation, evolved stars, high energy astrophysics, Galactic dynamics and structure, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. They also contribute to educate high-level human resources through a postgraduate program, and maintain a close relationship with society through diverse outreach and science communication programs.
If you are interested in our Institute, visit the English version of our webpage, www.irya.unam.mx/web/en
Media contact:
Dr. René A. Ortega Minakata
Outreach and Science Communication
IRyA UNAM Campus Morelia
Text: IRyA UNAM