URBANA — The University of Illinois Observatory came alive as people gathered to witness a total lunar eclipse early Friday morning. Around 100 attendees turned out to catch the stunning spectacle of the moon moving through Earth’s shadow, turning a striking red during totality, often called a “blood moon.”
This celestial event isn’t rare, but it certainly knows how to draw a crowd. With spring break just around the corner for U of I students, many were excited to participate in the lunar eclipse event organized by the University of Illinois Astronomical Society.
Robert Barthell, a sophomore majoring in aerospace engineering, was all set to photograph the moon. However, clouds kept sneaking in, obstructing his efforts. “We have very intermittent gaps in the clouds,” he shared, trying to capture the perfect shot. Just when he got a clear view, the moon disappeared again, prompting a sigh, “It’s gone. Nevermind.”
Fortunately, as the eclipse began, the clouds cleared, allowing spectators to cheer as the moon fully transformed. Previous poor weather at a U of I Astronomical Society event had dampened hopes of viewing Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus aligning. Hasan Al Saeedi, the society’s treasurer, humorously referred to this as the “Open House curse.” “You can have a whole week of awesome weather, and it’s Open House night, and then the clouds just come in and say, ‘screw you,’” he laughed, describing how frustrating such occurrences can be for star-gazers.
Varun Satish, the society’s president, was stunned by the turnout. “I think in my three years of being on campus, this is the most people I’ve seen in and around this building,” he noted. This highlights an interesting trend; major celestial events often spark increased interest and attendance at astronomical events.
As of March 2023, a survey showed that about 60% of Americans expressed interest in astronomy, with many eager to learn and partake in celestial happenings. This growing fascination reflects a broader interest in space science and awareness of events such as eclipses.
Mark your calendars: the next lunar eclipse visible in the continental U.S. will occur on March 2, 2026. Don’t forget to look up and enjoy this timeless cosmic dance!
Check out this related article: University Fundraising Success: How Numbers Reveal Our Impact on United Way
Source link