Full Lunar Eclipse Viewing at Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center

The Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center at the University of Nevada, Reno will feature a special midnight eclipse-viewing event to monitor the total lunar eclipse that will be visible throughout the western United States. The full eclipse is due to occur at midnight (PST), December 20, and be complete by 3 a.m., December 21 (the winter solstice). Viewing activities start at 9 p.m.

Dan Ruby, associate director of the Planetarium, will be available in advance of the eclipse event to answer questions and provide context. The Fleischmann Planetarium is on the UNR campus, 1650 N. Virginia St., just north of Lawlor Events Center.

"We're really excited about the fact Reno has the best seats on Earth for the show this year," Ruby said. "We're in the right place on our planet to see it from start to finish, and it's right at the winter solstice. We won't get another chance until 2014. The last total lunar eclipse visible from the entire continental United States occurred on February 21, 2008. North Americans will have their next opportunity to see a total lunar eclipse on April 15, 2014."

The Planetarium will be open until midnight to host the event in partnership with the Astronomical Society of Nevada. ASN volunteers will be on hand with equipment to aid the public in lunar eclipse viewing and interpretation. The Planetarium will serve hot drinks and snacks, and the Science Store will be open for holiday shopping.

Source: UNR Extended Studies press release.

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