RIT Observatory plans open house for lunar eclipse

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Alberto Levy and Sky and Telescope

Lunar eclipse

The Rochester Institute of Technology Observatory will hold an open house this month on the night of the total lunar eclipse.

Members of the Rochester community are invited to observe the lunar eclipse at the RIT Observatory after 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27. The observatory is located at 645 John St., near Bailey Road, in Henrietta.

“Starting around 8 p.m., the moon will slide into the Earth’s shadow,” said Michael Richmond, professor in RIT’s School of Physics and Astronomy and director of the observatory. “Over the course of several hours, the moon will gradually grow dimmer and take on a pale copper hue as it reaches the central regions of the shadow.”

Visitors can watch the transformation through telescopes and binoculars. The event will peak around 11 p.m.

“Guests should arrive after 8 p.m. and plan to leave before midnight,” Richmond said. “Please dress warmly.”

For more information—and to check for a weather-related cancellation—go to the RIT College of Science webpage.