Area astronomers await Tuesday eclipse

Astronomers all over the Chicago area are anxiously waiting for a total lunar eclipse scheduled early Tuesday morning.

The eclipse, which takes place when a full moon passes through the shadow of the earth, can be first visible at 12:32 a.m., said Paul D'Addario, senior educator for interpretation at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.

He said the total eclipse will be at 1:40 a.m. Tuesday, and the point of the greatest eclipse will be at 2:17 a.m.

He said this total lunar eclipse is special because it will take place on the first day of winter solstice. The next total lunar eclipse on Dec. 21 will not be until 2094.

“But, the prime times to view the eclipse are from 12:25 a.m. until 12:35 a.m., from 1:35 a.m. until 1:45 a.m. and from 2:50 a.m. until 3 a.m.,” he said. “That's when the moon will be coming into or out of the eclipse and the most red light from the shadow will be visible.”

The Adler Planetarium will be hosting a free viewing party of the eclipse from 11 p.m. until 4 a.m. at the planetarium.

Adler educators and astronomers, along with telescope volunteers, will be on hand to facilitate telescope viewing of the rare eclipse. Visitors can either bring their own telescope or use ones provided by the Adler.

More information and directions to the Adler Planetarium are at adlerplanetarium.org.

Separately, the Fox Valley Astronomical Society and the Geneva Park District will host a lunar eclipse viewing event at midnight Monday at Peck Farm Park on Kaneville Road.

The group will set up telescopes, and the park district will serve hot chocolate and coffee.

In both instances, the parties are weather permitting as bad visibility will dull the eclipse.

Groups of 10 or more for the Geneva event are asked to register via the website at fvastro.com. For details, call (331) 442-4799.