PLANETARIUM: Lunar Eclipse Viewing (FREE)

View a spectacular Lunar Eclipse alongside the Planetarium team and astronomers from around the region. This event will operate rain or shine, as guests will either view the event with telescopes and binoculars or take advantage of the new Cosm Digistar Full-Dome Data Visualization System to view the eclipse as it occurs from a clear location around the globe.

WHEN:
Thursday, August 27 from 8:00 PM until 11:30 PM

WHAT:
A partial lunar eclipse will be visible in St. Louis August 27-28. The Planetarium is hosting a special public telescope viewing session that night to observe the eclipse along with free programming in the upgraded Orthwein StarBay.

ABOUT THE EVENT:
Weather permitting, guests will have the opportunity to observe the partial lunar eclipse through a variety of telescopes setup outside the McDonnell Planetarium. Additional viewing targets include Venus, Saturn, and more.

If the weather is clear, free programs inside the newly upgraded Orthwein StarBay will be offered about the eclipse and the current night sky. Additional programming will be offered around the upcoming launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

If weather is poor and outdoor viewing is not possible, live stream views of the eclipse from a clear location will be offered inside the Planetarium.

ABOUT THE ECLIPSE:
St. Louis will experience a deep-partial lunar eclipse on the evening of Thursday, August 27 into the early morning of Friday, August 28. At maximum eclipse, over 90% of the Moon will be within the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow. Timing for the eclipse is below:

SCHEDULE:

• 8:23 PM – Penumbral Eclipse Begins
• 9:33 PM – Partial Eclipse Begins
• 11:12 PM – Maximum Eclipse
• 11:30 PM – Lunar Eclipse Viewing Ends

SPECIAL NOTES & REMINDERS:

• All telescope viewing is weather permitting. If cloudy skies or rain, live stream views will be offered inside the Planetarium.
• Telescope viewing is an outdoor event. Guests should dress accordingly and be prepared with bug spray, water bottles, etc.
• Lunar eclipses are “slow burn” events. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
• Capacity for timed Planetarium Shows in the Orthwein StarBay is limited. Spots will be available first come, first serve.

Learn more about Public Telescope Viewing