The public is invited to view Sunday’s “Super Wolf Blood Moon” total lunar eclipse at the Margaret Jacoby Observatory at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Knight Campus, 400 East Ave., Warwick.
The name means a supermoon and a blood moon will occur at the same time. The first full moon of the year is known as the “Wolf Moon” and is named after howling wolves. Observers will be able to watch the shadow of the Earth eclipse the moon and turn it blood red.
The observatory will be open from the start of the eclipse until the moon starts to leave Earth’s shadow – the end of totality – which will be from 9:36 p.m. to 1 a.m., depending on viewing conditions. This is the last total lunar eclipse of the decade; the next is May 16, 2021.
Weather permitting, visitors will be able to view the lunar eclipse through the college’s 16-inch Meade LX200R reflecting telescope under the guidance of Professor Jack Owens of the Physics Department. Cloudy or rainy skies will cancel the event. For scheduling information and updates, visit www.ccri.edu/observatory.
The observatory is located a short walk from the main building. The road leading to the observatory is the first right turn when approaching the main college building from the driveway. There is limited parking at the observatory and additional parking available in the short-term lot near the Enrollment Services entrance.
There is no admission fee but visitors should dress for the weather, as the observatory is not heated.