Muncie Astronomy Club

08/27/2026

☀🌎🌕 There is a partial lunar eclipse late this evening on August 27 and the weather forecast looks good so far for to see it! Watch the Moon move into the Earth’s shadow tonight:

Eclipse Begins: 9:23 pm EDT
Maximum at 12:12 am
Eclipse Ends: 3:01 am

What can you expect to see? The Moon should mostly darken and then brighten up again and may glow red, orange, or gold during maximum.

The color the Moon will turn during an eclipse depends on the position of the Moon relative to the Earth and Sun as well as the conditions of the Earth’s atmosphere. The red-orange color that may occur tonight is why a lunar eclipse is sometimes referred to as a “Blood Moon.” It can appear red because the light that passes through Earth's atmosphere is refracted (bent), with the longer red and orange wavelengths reaching the Moon as blue light is scattered. What shade of red will the Moon turn during this eclipse? We will have to wait and see!

For more information about the eclipse, and what you can expect to see here in Muncie, visit https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/muncie?iso=20260828

📷A time-lapse of the progression of a lunar eclipse. John Coletti/Getty Images

08/18/2026

August's free public programs start this weekend! Learn about massive black holes, how Earth became the planet it is, and explore the Moon with Big Bird & Elmo during these free programs:

The Largest Black Holes: Kurzgesagt on the Dome🌌
Fridays: Aug. 21, 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Aug. 22, 29 at 6:30 p.m.
In this fast-paced program, explore the most massive objects in the universe with a planetarium short from “Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell,” the award-winning YouTube creators who make complex science accessible, accompanied by live discussion on the latest discoveries. Recommended for adults and ages 12+.

Birth of Planet Earth 🌎
Saturdays: Aug. 22, 29 at 5:00 p.m.
This show tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins, and helps us explore the potential of other possible worlds like our own. Recommended for adults and ages 10+.

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure 🚀
Fridays: Aug. 21, 28 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Aug. 22, 29 at 3:30 p.m.
Take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, find shapes in the sky, and learn about the North Star in this cross-cultural adventure with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu from China. Perfect for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners.

Note that doors close once full or 5 minutes after showtime, and no entry is permitted after that time.

Learn more and plan your visit at www.bsu.edu/planetarium

08/16/2026

08/12/2026

08/12/2026

Today’s partial solar eclipse from outside of Boston, MA

08/12/2026

Hoppy Appreciation Day at Camp Cullom this Saturday 11 to 2! Don’t miss the Ribbon Cutting of the new Girl Scout Troop 50435 Pollinator Garden at 11 too!. Glovers Ice Cream, Hot Dogs, Solar Viewing, Corn Hole! FREE WILL OFFERING! Hoppy Appreciation Day at Camp Cullom!

08/07/2026

08/04/2026

We will be passing these out at the door at the Lodge for the 11:30 Slipher Dedication. Lowell Observatory, Indiana University Astronomy Department, Mayor of Frankfort and Slipher Family Members will be at this event too! The marker will soon be placed in front of Old Stoney, Vesto and Earl Slipher’s High School before going to Indiana University and Lowell Observatory. More about the 23rd Annual Star Party this weekend at Camp Cullom: https://clintoncountydailynews.com/indiana-family-star-party-august-7th-and-8th-opens-up-the-stars-for-indiana-families/

07/31/2026

Families across central Indiana will have a chance to explore the night sky during the 23rd annual Indiana Family Star Party, set for August 7 and 8 at Camp Cullom near Frankfort. The event, known as the Midwest’s premier family-focused star party, invites visitors to experience dark rural skies, ...