Get ready to look up on Sunday! The Denver Astronomical Society is hosting a FREE Open House at the University of Denver’s Chamberlin Observatory (2930 E. Warren Ave.) for the total lunar eclipse on Sunday, May 15. Weather permitting, telescopes and binoculars will be available for public observing of the eclipse — set up on the park lawn (on the south side of the observatory building.)
Image: Denver Astronomical Society
The lunar eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye. No special filters or eye protection necessary.
Show up starting at 7:30 p.m. (Street parking around Observatory Park is available, on a first come, first served basis.)
By 8:27 p.m., the Earth’s shadow will start to take a “bite” out of the Moon as it rises above the east-southeast horizon. Watch the Moon creep fully into the shadow of the Earth! Because this is an hours-long event, attendees can take time to check out other celestial objects using the available telescopes.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, folding chairs and their own binoculars if they wish. Dress warmly for the potentially cool spring evening.
The lunar eclipse provides an opportunity for “earthlings” to watch the moon turn reddish and, then, gradually return to normal as the eclipse comes to an end as Sunday turns into Monday.
Here are the expected times for the Total Lunar Eclipse:
Times are MST.
7:32 p.m. – Penumbral phase begins
7:57 p.m. – Moonrise
8:27 p.m. – Partial phase begins
9:29 p.m. – Total phase begins
10:11 p.m. – Maximum eclipse
10:53 p.m. – Total phase ends
11:55 p.m. – Partial phase ends
12:50 a.m. – Penumbral phase ends
For more information about the family-friendly event, click here.