Thursday, March 13, 2025–7:35 a.m.

-News Release-

Celebrate Pi Day at Tellus Science Museum on Friday, March 14, and watch a total lunar eclipse over Cartersville. The Moon will turn a deep red as it passes through Earth’s shadow, offering a spectacle for night sky enthusiasts.

The Museum will open at 1 AM for this special event. Guests can view the Moon’s journey into Earth’s shadow through the 20-inch telescope in the Observatory. The eclipse officially begins at 1:09 AM, with totality lasting for an hour and five minutes, starting at 2:26 AM and reaching maximum darkness at 2:58 AM. Additional smaller telescopes will also be available for viewing.

For those who prefer to stay indoors, a live stream of the eclipse will be projected inside the Tellus Theater. The Planetarium will also feature two special live eclipse shows, scheduled for 1:30 AM and 2:30 AM, offering expert insights into the science behind lunar eclipses.

“A total lunar eclipse is one of the most stunning and widely visible astronomical events,” said Karisa Zdanky, an Astronomer at Tellus Science Museum. “The deep red hue of the Moon during totality is a sight that never fails to amaze, and we’re excited to provide a unique opportunity for guests to see from our Observatory for an ‘up close’ view of the Moon.”

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, causing Earth’s shadow to completely cover the Moon. They are a little easier to see for two key reasons. First, they can be safely viewed with the naked eye—no protective eyewear is needed. Second, because the Earth casts a much larger shadow than the Moon, a total lunar eclipse is visible from anywhere the Moon is above the horizon. In contrast, a total solar eclipse can only be seen from a narrow path on Earth where the Moon completely blocks the Sun.

In case of inclement weather, this event will be limited to museum-only activities and the observatory will be closed.