The nighttime sky offers Mississippians a great show this week in the form of a total lunar eclipse. Since I taught English rather than science, I looked to the experts at NASA to explain this astronomical event: “When Earth is positioned precisely between the Moon and Sun, Earth’s shadow falls upon the surface of the Moon, dimming it and sometimes turning the lunar surface a striking red over the course of a few hours.”
The NASA website also explains that each lunar eclipse is visible from half of Earth. Lucky for Mississippians, we are part of the “half of Earth” that will get to view the total lunar eclipse this week.
Here in Mississippi’s Central Time Zone, the spectacular moon show will begin this Thursday night, March 13, with the first penumbral, partial shadowing starting around 11 p.m. But the real show, the total shadowing, will take place on Friday morning, March 14, just a few minutes before 1:30 a.m. and will last for a little more than an hour. Then, skywatchers can call it done by 5 a.m., when the entire penumbral shadowing will be complete.
It promises to be quite the show! I venture to say that lots of Mississippians will be outside gazing at the moon – or the lack of it – this weekend. Because, like me, most people marvel at God’s handiwork displayed in the sky both day and night.
But truth be told, I have never ventured to a true observatory to take in the wonders of the night sky. Regretfully, I never took my kids or grandkids to such a place either. And that regret prompted me to search online for a great spot in Mississippi to take my grandkids this summer to learn more about the wonders of the sky.
Much to my surprise (and shame), I discovered the Rainwater Observatory, located in French Camp, Mississippi. For 40 years, this facility has been a part of the educational ministry of French Camp Academy. With over 25 telescopes and other optical instruments, Rainwater is the largest observatory in our state and one of the largest in the entire Southeastern region of our nation.
Most of the experiences provided by Rainwater are educationally based, including a camping package for Scouts, schools, and other groups. Their large camping area includes a pavilion with electricity, picnic tables, an amphitheater, a large bunkhouse, restrooms, showers, and campfire pits, as well as plenty of beautiful outdoor areas for hiking and exploring.
Rainwater’s Planetarium, also called the “Observa-dome” has a six-meter dome with some pretty impressive projection capability. The facility also offers visitors a variety of immersive experiences, including an extensive list of presentations and exhibits, as well as five different packages for nighttime sky-watching. Check out the complete lists of those packages and the observatory’s impressive technology at rainwaterobservatory.com.
While browsing the website, make sure to find out about Rainwater Observatory’s upcoming annual Mid-South Stargaze and Astronomy Conference slated to take place April 23-26, 2025. Featuring several noteworthy astronomers, this conference always attracts amateur and professional astronomers from around the country. (Registration forms for the conference and lodging details are already available online.)
But the learning experiences are not just for school groups and Scouts. The Observatory’s Calendar of Events also offers individual guests a chance to enjoy the facilities each month at their designated Monthly Public Program. For more information on these monthly programs, call 662-547-7283 or email inquiries to [email protected].
