Star Points for May, 2003; by Curtis Roelle May 15 Total Lunar Eclipse This month features something we haven't seen around these parts since the last century - a total eclipse of the moon. The last total lunar eclipse visible from Maryland was in January 2000. This month's eclipse occurs during the evening of Thursday, May 15. The moon will be in the constellation Libra as it passes through the earth's shadow. There will also be a full moon that night. Full moons and lunar eclipses go together. You can't have a lunar eclipse without a full moon. It's simple geometry. In a lunar eclipse the earth comes between the moon and sun and thus from our viewpoint the moon is fully illuminated, or full. On the other hand you can have a full moon without an eclipse. Although full moons occur every month, most of the time the full moon passes either above or below the earth's shadow and no eclipse occurs. While a telescope or pair of binoculars will enhance the eclipse observing experience, they are not required. If you would like to view the eclipse through a telescope but don't have one, you might consider joining members of the Westminster Astronomical Society of Maryland who will be hauling their telescopes to Piney Run Park on Martz Road in Eldersburg. If skies are clear the telescopes will be set up near the tennis courts starting around 8 p.m. on May 15. This is about two hours before the start of the partial phase of the eclipse. If you have a telescope or binoculars, then feel free to bring it along. The moon will begin to pass into the earth's shadow at 10:03 p.m. This is the start of the partial phase of the eclipse. You'll notice that the shadow is noticeably curved. Ancient philosophers used this clue to deduce that the world is round. Totality begins at 11:14 p.m. when the moon is fully engulfed in earth's shadow. Depending on how dark the shadow is the moon could be hard to spot in the sky if you haven't been paying attention during the partial phase. Totality will last 52 minutes, ending at 12:06 a.m. Friday May 16. From here on the shadow will slowly depart from the moon during the final partial phase. The full moon returns shadow free at 01:17 a.m. Sure, it's late and it's a school night. So parents, use your own judgement. If you want to wait for a weekend lunar eclipse the astronomers will be at Bear Branch Nature Center for the next one on Saturday, November 8. However, keep in mind there is no guarantee that if you stay home in May that the sky will be clear in November.