Photo by Bob Baer
March 06, 2025
SIU plans special events to observe total lunar eclipse
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale will play host to sky-watchers of all types next week during a total lunar eclipse.
The university will open the observation areas on the lawn at the Neckers building during the event, set overnight for the evening of March 13-14. The total lunar eclipses, also known as the “blood moon,” will be visible over most of the Americas. During the event, the moon will appear to go through different phases, turning to a deep orange-red for about one hour during totality about 1:30-2:30 a.m. Central.
Eclipses don’t happen only when the moon blocks the sun from the Earth. In this case, the Earth will return the favor for the moon, blocking sunlight from reaching its surface, said Bob Baer, associate scientist in the School of Physics and Applied Physics at SIU.
“I love watching lunar eclipses because you can see the shadow of the Earth as it slowly sweeps across the moon over a three-hour event,” said Baer, one of the key organizers of SIU’s participation in two total solar eclipses in Southern Illinois in 2017 and 2024. “Although it’s not as spectacular or fast-paced as a total solar eclipse, a total lunar eclipse is awe inspiring.
“When you see totality, you’re looking at light refracted from the sun through the Earth’s atmosphere — the exact color is determined by the amount of dust particles in the air. It’s like seeing sunsets around the world projected on the moon.”
How to enjoy the events
The public is invited to join organizers at SIU, as well as members of the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois and the Adler Planetarium, for the free event. Starting at midnight, activities, including guided telescope viewings and special things to do during peak eclipse hours, will be centered on the southwest side of the Neckers building.
Participants may bring lawn chairs, blankets, telescopes, photographic equipment and coolers. Alcohol is not permitted.
Participants bringing their own telescopes or photographic equipment are welcome to arrive early and keep their equipment set up for the entire eclipse. Organizers hope to keep lighting at the site to a minimum.
Outdoor enthusiasts are also invited to be part of another special program, “Half of the Magic and Majesty of Living on Earth Happens at Night.” The program features a nature walk under the eclipsed moon, led by Steve Gariepy, experiential education specialist and researcher of almost 20 years.
Participants in this event should bring a flashlight or headlamp, snack, water and binoculars, if possible. The group will meet in the telescope area at midnight at Neckers. The walk is expected to last about 90 minutes, with the group returning to the telescope area at Neckers a little after 1:30 a.m.
Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for both of these outdoor events, which are weather-dependent. Organizers also plan to livestream the events from other locations.
Parking
Participants may park for free in Lot 47, located between the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and Neckers building. The south end of the parking lot will be blocked to keep headlights from shining into the observation area.
No tickets are required. For more information or for special accommodations, call SIU Events and Outreach at 618-536-7751 or email events@siu.edu.