LUNAR ECLIPSE AT WINTER SOLSTICE PARTY

By [Sharon Elizabeth Samuel] The American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium will have a Winter Solstice Party Monday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in anticipation of the total lunar eclipse the morning of Dec. 21. Astronomers and members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York will prepare visitors for the eclipse, which will mark the final night of the autumn season. In addition to their presentations, the event will include refreshments and (weather permitting) guided observation through telescopes and binoculars on the Arthur Ross Terrace. There will also be a simulation on the dome of the Hayden Space Theater of the eclipse, using the world's most advanced star projector. A total lunar eclipse occurs when a full moon, the earth and the sun are in a direct line that casts the face of the moon into the earth's shadow. In New York City, the eclipse will officially begin Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 12:29 a.m., but changes in the moon's appearance will be unnoticeable until 1:33 a.m. At 2:41 a.m., the moon will be completely eclipsed, and sunlight creeping around the curvature of the earth will produce a coppery glow on the moon. The last total eclipse of the moon seen in New York occurred Feb. 20, 2008, and there will not be another until April 14, 2014. "The Winter Solstice Party will be a chance to do some observation without having to stay up late," said Suzanne Morris, manager of programming at the Hayden. "Our astronomers are the best of the best, and will be available the entire night to guide people through the sky." Admission to the Winter Solstice celebration is $15, and $13.50 for museum members, students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased online at www.amnh.org.