Another full lunar eclipse will not be seen in North America for 3 years.

Sedona, AZ - Evening Sky Tours of Sedona will present an eclipse party on February 20, 2008 from 6 – 10 p.m. on the Football Field at Sedona Red Rock High School. The event is free and open to the public and no reservations are necessary.

This year’s eclipse will be spectacular and we will not see another full lunar eclipse from North America for 3 years. Evening Sky Tours' astronomers and astronomers of the Verde Valley will have telescopes set up to view Mars and other celestial objects. Warm beverages will be available.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon's disk can take on a dramatically colorful appearance from bright orange to blood red to dark brown and (rarely) very dark gray. An eclipse of the Moon can only take place at Full Moon, and only if the Moon passes through some portion of Earth's shadow. The shadow is actually composed of two cone-shaped parts, one nested inside the other. The outer shadow or penumbra is a zone where Earth blocks some (but not all) of the Sun's rays. In contrast, the inner shadow or umbra is a region where Earth blocks all direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, dress warmly and bring their telescopes and binoculars. The eclipse is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and the moon should be completely shrouded by 8 p.m. Saturn will become visible through the telescopes around 9:30 p.m. and Mars will be visible all night. There is no rain date due to the unique nature of this celestial event.

The event is presented by Evening Sky Tours as the second in the Celebrate the Sedona Night Sky series of free community events. Co-sponsors include the City of Sedona, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Astronomers of the Verde Valley, Keep Sedona Beautiful, Sedona Verde Valley Times, Sedona Monthly, Sedona Section of the International Dark Sky Association and the Sedona Chapter of the ASU Alumni Association.

For more information call Evening Sky Tours at 928-203-0006 or visit our website at www.eveningskytours.com.
 

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