Early risers and astronomy enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to witness a total lunar eclipse at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3rd. The event, organized by the SIU Astrophotography Team and partners, will begin at 3:30 a.m. at the University Farms Astronomy Observation Area, located two miles west of the main campus.
For those unable to attend in person, the SIU Astrophotography Team will livestream the celestial event, offering telescope views not only from the Carbondale site, but also from SolarSTEAM and DEB Initiative telescope teams in Colorado and Mexico. Bob Baer, associate scientist in the School of Physics and Applied Physics, said the livestream will utilize three telescopes at the observation area, ensuring a comprehensive experience for virtual viewers.
“This is the last total lunar eclipse visible in the continental United States until Dec. 31, 2028. Provided we have good weather, this will be a great eclipse to watch in person if people can,” Baer said.
The lunar eclipse will be visible across North and South America, as well as parts of Asia and Australia. Observers in Carbondale can expect the eclipse to begin at 3:50 a.m., with the totality phase and the final partial phase concluding just before sunrise at 6:29 a.m. For those who miss the live event, the eclipse will be archived on SIU’s NASASolarSTEAM YouTube channel for later viewing.
Baer encourages attendees to dress warmly and bring their own flashlights (preferably with a red light mode), telescopes, binoculars, and lawn chairs. Volunteers from SIU and the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois will also provide telescopes for public use, some equipped with cellphone adapters for visitors to capture their own photos.
This public observation is part of SIU’s ongoing commitment to community service and STEM education. The event is supported by NASA-funded research and engagement efforts through SIU’s STEM Education Research Center, the School of Media Arts, and the School of Physics and Applied Physics.
For more information or to access the livestream, visit SIU’s NASASolarSTEAM YouTube channel.