With due regard to the millions of Americans who are traveling to hundreds of cities and towns along the path of totality, we regrettably must announce the cancellation of the total solar eclipse on April 8.
This difficult decision was made, in part, because The Moon has been having second thoughts about blocking sunlight across such a wide swath of the North American continent. Ironically, The Moon has observed us and determined that the hassle of making this special and historic traverse is just not worth it. As a result, April 8 will proceed like any typical day – with the usual sunrise and sunset – and no eclipse. The moon reserves the right to attempt another eclipse at a future date.
Solar viewing glasses can be returned to your nearest Toys ‘R Us, Bed Bath & Beyond, or K-Mart for a layaway credit.
“I wouldn’t call it ‘cold feet,’” says The Moon. “I was truly looking forward to this event. But, I’ve heard that cities along the path of totality are bracing for large crowds, traffic problems, and other challenges, and I don’t want to cause issues. I just want to shine.”
“We’ve been working hard for the past several months educating children and adults on how to best prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Michelle Urbanczyk, president and CEO of Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum. “While we’re disappointed with The Moon’s decision, we understand and respect it. However, with that being said, we will still be celebrating The Sun, The Moon and The Earth this week at Explore & More juuuust in case The Moon changes its mind.”
Penn Dixie Executive Director Dr. Phil Stokes says “From high school physics we know that Isaac Newton’s three laws of motion come into play when forecasting astronomical events. Unfortunately, Newton’s little-known fourth law of motion applies here. We simply don’t have control over the whims of celestial bodies.”
“MOOOOO!” says Betty Lou Moo, the official dairy cow of Explore & More who was looking forward to an early return to her barn. “MOOOOOOOO!”
Betty Lou Moo, the official dairy cow of Explore & More, has donned her eclipse shades and is ready for whatever may come on April 8.
Do you want to learn more about the upcoming total solar eclipse? Join us on Tuesday, January 30th and Monday, February 19th for Witnessing Wonder: Exploring the Total Solar Eclipse! Explore the conditions that happen to create different types of eclipses, what it means to be in the path of totality, and how to safely view this memorable occasion. Every participant gets a pair of solar viewing glasses! Both programs will be held in the Gateway Building auditorium (3556 Lake Shore Rd, Blasdell, NY 14219) and run from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Registration is not required.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, M&T Bank and NYSEG, these programs are FREE for all attendees!
You can enjoy the night sky from your own backyard. All you need is your eyes and some curiosity. The night sky has something to offer during every season – so dress for the weather and get 0ut there!
To help you get started on your stargazing adventure, print out a Sky Map (www.skymaps.com or www.heavens-above.com) or use one of the many planetarium apps available for smart devices. To use a Star Chart, orient the direction (North, South, East & West) indicator on the chart for the direction you are looking down, towards the ground. This will indicate the stars in front of you. Rotate the chart accordingly when looking in a different direction. Smart Device apps often have a compass feature which will show you the view of the sky that you are pointing the phone at. Some apps have an augmented Reality (AR) feature which will use the devices camera to superimpose the night sky onto the actual view in the direction that you are pointing the device to. Most apps have a free version and offer upgrades for a fee.
A red flashlight or headlamp is a useful source of illumination for reading printed Sky Maps and navigating your surroundings. Red light is preferred over white light because it helps preserve your night vision. You can read about the effect red vs white light here: Dark Adaptation of the Human Eye and the Value of Red Flashlights. Red flashlights can be purchased online, or you can make them yourself from regular white light flashlights. Here are some ideas for DIYing your own red flashlight: www.instructables.com/Astronomy-Hacking-a-Redlight/
Sky Map Example
Be aware that what you can see in the night sky changes throughout the year, so be sure the Sky Map you’re referencing is for the right time of year. Pay attention to how the brightest stars appear to move within a single night, from night to night, and from season to season. Once you can find the bright stars, look for the larger patterns they form (asterisms and constellations). The bright stars, asterisms, and constellations will help you orient yourself in the night sky are the keys to finding other objects like the Moon, planets, or even the International Space Station (ISS).
To find out if an ISS pass is visible and the details for viewing the pass, I use the website Heavens Above. Put in your viewing location in the box in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Click on ISS from the list on the main page. This will provide a list of visible passes from your location. Click on pass to get further details, including a handy star chart showing the path of the ISS through the sky.
The International Space Station as of Oct. 4, 2018. Credit: NASA/Roscosmos
My advice to beginner astronomers is to identify the brightest stars visible during a given season and practice finding them. Look at your Star Chart or Planetarium App, the brightest stars are represented with the biggest dots. They are the stars will become visible first as the sky grows dark during twilight and they should punch through most light pollution. Find them with just your eyes first. After finding them by you can practice finding them with a pair of binoculars or telescope if you have them. This a foundational skill that will help you orient yourself with the night sky and find other objects. Practice whenever you go outside and the skies are clear.
In general, the week before and after New Moon is the best time for observing the night sky, unless you’re looking to observe the Moon itself, because this time frame provides the darkest skies. For observing the Moon with optical aid (telescopes and/or binoculars), the best time to look at it is when the Moon is not full. When the Moon is not full craters will have much more depth and contrast. This is especially true near the Terminator, the line between illuminated side and non-illuminated side.
Keep an eye out for meteors too! Meteors are often best viewed between midnight and dawn.
Live in a light polluted area? Try to have polite conversations with your neighbors, perhaps they will shut off an offensive light for a few hours. You can use fences or other structures to shield your eyes from nearby bright lights or try to find a nearby location that has less light pollution. When searching for a darker location, be sure not to trespass and take appropriate safety precautions. If possible, encourage friends, family, and neighbors to install dark sky friendly lighting when adding or replacing outside lights. Light fixtures should direct light downwards where it’s needed and not up towards the sky. Also, turn the lights on only when needed, motion detectors or timers can be really useful for reducing light pollution. Aside from causing reduced visibility for stargazers, light pollution has a negative impact on human health and wildlife. Contact your local Astronomy club or the International Dark Sky association for more information on light pollution.
If you’re a Western New Yorker who’s interested in learning more about astronomy, check out the Buffalo Astronomical Associations’ website for local events and outreach programming throughout the year. Can’t wait for a BAA event to learn more about the skies? This presentation also features information and pictures regarding astronomical objects.
Penn Dixie invites rocket enthusiasts and astronomy buffs alike to join us for Rock-it Day on Saturday, September 21st from 10 am – 1:00 pm! Bring your own rocket to launch with our team of professionals or build your own rockets with the help of Penn Dixie staff members and our volunteer partners. Guests will learn about rockets and how they work, how different-sized model rockets are launched, and learn about the history of space flight.
Rock-it activities are included with admission and FREE for members. No registration is needed. All ages are welcome. Rocket making supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Please note that Scouting Rocks! is also happening on the 21st, which means that Scouts can visit Penn Dixie for free! Some form of official scout apparel/insignia is required for free admission; a full uniform is not needed. Scouts are able to participate in the Rock-it day festivities for free. Non-scouts are welcome to participate at our regular admission rates. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Full details about Scouting Rocks! can be found here: https://penndixie.org/scouting-rocks/
Stay tuned for an updated list of partners and volunteers that will be helping us on Rock-it Day!
As the sun falls and the moon takes over the sky, Marv Jacobs will lead us around the trails of Penn Dixie. Our special guide will highlight the many uses of local plants and also explain how nature and the night sky are represented in Native American culture.
This is a FREE event and open to the public. Registration is required and space is limited. Dress for the weather. Bring flashlights, water, and bug spray. The program begins at 7 pm and ends at 9 pm; we may not be able to accommodate late arrivals so please be punctual. Guests will be notified via email if the program is cancelled due to weather. Face coverings are optional so long as social distancing — 6 feet or more between groups — is followed at all times.
