On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., Andreas Observatory will be open to the public to view the total lunar eclipse and Saturn.
Partial phases of the eclipse begin at 7:43 PM, and totality will start at 9:01. Totality will end at 9:51, with partial phases terminating at 11:00 PM. The eclipse can be viewed easily with the naked eye or binoculars.
The main observatory telescope will be showing telescopic views of the planet Saturn, which will be located just east of the eclipsed moon.
Visitors should park (free) at the southern end of Gage parking lot #1, walk through the pedestrian gate, and follow the road south to the observatories. It will probably be rather cold, and visitors should dress appropriately. (Visitors with special needs should contact the Disability Services Office at 389-2825.)
If weather makes viewing uncertain, phone Andreas Observatory (389-2691) during the evening to inquire about sky conditions. [If no one answers, the event is off.] A sign on the gate at the end of lot #1 will also indicate whether the observatory is open.
If the skies are not sufficiently clear at the scheduled viewing time, the observatory will not be open.
Maps to Andreas and Standeford Observatories
