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  • 2019: A Snapshot of Upcoming Astronomical Events

    Each year brings us new and exciting astronomical events – and 2019 will surely not disappoint.

    In 2019, you can expect some astronomical phenomena, among them a total lunar eclipse (also known as a Blood moon); several planetary alignments (when two or more planets appear very close together); and even a rare transit of Mercury across the Sun. A transit refers to when a planet passes between a larger body and the observer.

    There’ll even be a total solar eclipse in 2019. But don’t expect to step outside your front door in Oregon and view the event from the path of totality – to do so, you’ll need to go a little further south.

    On Tuesday, Jan. 8, and Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, Mt. Hood Community College Planetarium Director Pat Hanrahan will discuss these and other events while also previewing the changing night sky for 2019. He’ll also discuss when and where to find the most interesting objects in the sky and show you some aids designed to help you visually navigate the constellations. Showtimes will take place at 6 and 7:15 p.m. on both days.

    BloodMoon
    A total eclipse of the moon will occur in the early evening hours of Jan. 20. During this eclipse, the moon will turn a blood-red color as it slips into the imperfect show of Earth. The event is also called a Super Moon, as it reaches its full phase when closest to Earth. This will be the last total lunar eclipse visible from the United States until May 2021.