FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
 TO: Arts & Entertainment Editors 
        Science & Technology Editors

 DATE: August 22, 2007

 CONTACT: Heidi Lazare
                     518-438-2826 or
                     hlazare@commservices.net

THE HEAVENS CELEBRATE

DUDLEY OBSERVATORY’S 150^th ANNIVERSARY

WITH A LUNAR ECLIPSE

(ALBANY, NY)--- People have waited with unabashed anticipation for the longest eclipse in seven years happening next Tuesday.  But, could it be that the lunar eclipse is occurring on August 28 to coincide with the 150^th anniversary of the Dudley Observatory?   

In the Capital Region, we will see the full Moon begin to enter the Earth's dark shadow low in the west at about 4:51 a.m., and the Moon will be totally eclipsed at 5:52 a.m. This unusually long phase may last for an 90 minutes because of the moon’s trajectory, states the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and most of America will see this spectacular light show as the moon crosses over the Earth’s shadow   For local viewers, the Moon will set a few minutes after the total eclipse begins. 

For 150 years, the Dudley Observatory has been a treasured community asset that brings the Capital Region both national and international recognition in the study of astronomy; a library that contains one of the world’s finest collections of historically significant astronomical texts, including early editions of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton; and the cultivation of future scientists.   

In honor of its long and distinguished history, Dudley Observatory will host an “Evening with the Stars” on Friday, November 16 from 5:30 to 8 pm at the Albany Institute of History and Art (AIHA).  Honorary chairs Dava Sobel, author of  Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter and The Planets and Assemblymember Jack McEneny will be joined by guests from the scientific, high tech and arts communities who will come together to celebrate the unique contributions Dudley has made to our region and our planet.    

 For more information on the “Evening with the Stars” event, contact the: Dudley Observatory at 518/382-7583 or at www.dudleyobservatory.org.