A Rare Opportunity in Two to Three Years
Special Observation Event at Goheung Space Astronomy Science Center
Goheung County in South Jeolla Province (Governor Gong Youngmin) announced on the 1st that it will hold a special observation event at the Goheung Space Astronomy Science Center at dawn on the 8th to mark the special astronomical phenomenon of a total lunar eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to be covered by the Earth's shadow. In the same region, such an opportunity to observe a total lunar eclipse usually arises only once every two to three years.
Goheung County will hold a special observation event at the Goheung Space Astronomy Science Center at dawn on the 8th to witness the special astronomical phenomenon of a total lunar eclipse. Photo by Goheung County
Because the Sun is a massive light source, the Earth's shadow is divided into a darker core and a lighter outer part. When the Moon enters the lighter shadow, it is called a "penumbral lunar eclipse," and when it enters the darker core, it is classified as a "partial lunar eclipse" or a "total lunar eclipse." Since a penumbral lunar eclipse only causes the Moon to dim slightly and is not clearly distinguishable, the astronomy science center will focus on observing only the partial and total lunar eclipse phases.
This total lunar eclipse will begin after the Moon rises at around 6:40 p.m. on the 7th, with the partial lunar eclipse starting at around 1:30 a.m. on the 8th when one side of the Moon begins to darken. The total lunar eclipse, during which the entire Moon becomes dark, will occur at around 2:30 a.m., and the Moon will gradually brighten from around 3:50 a.m., returning to its original brightness by about 5:00 a.m.
The Goheung Space Astronomy Science Center is equipped with an 800mm reflecting telescope, the largest of its kind in Korea, as well as a dome theater, making it a place where visitors can vividly observe and experience the wonders of the universe. The exhibition hall on the second floor features ancient astronomical instruments such as the Angbu Ilgu, devices for experiencing solar system weight comparisons and vortex phenomena, and a model of a meteorite that fell in Duwon, Goheung in 1943. From the third-floor observatory, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Dadohae archipelago.
An official from the astronomy science center said, "Since the observation in September will take place outdoors for an extended period at dawn, please prepare extra warm clothing and participate within reasonable limits so as not to affect your schedule the next day. Please note that if the weather is cloudy, observation may not be possible and the event may be canceled depending on the situation."
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