Local astronomy club to view lunar eclipse

Some Fox Valley area stargazers will throw a party, of sorts to catch Wednesday's lunar eclipse.

The Kane County Astronomical Association and Fox Valley Astronomical Society will be at the Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve to watch the eclipse.

The forest preserve is off Batavia's Main Street one-half mile west of Green Road and one-half mile east of Route 47. Club members will be at the preserve from 8 to 11 p.m.

Though you won't need a telescope to actually see the earth cast a shadow on the moon, club members will have several telescopes set up so people can get a better view, and to show guests other highlights in the sky.

"It's just an interesting thing to see," said Jim Griffin, administrator and founder of the Kane County Astronomical Association. "When you think you're seeking the earth's shadow on the moon … that's really spectacular."

The earth will pass between the moon and the sun, casting a shadow on the moon. The eclipse begins shortly before 8 p.m. and will last a little more than three hours, with total coverage of the moon expected between 9 and 10 p.m.

The last eclipse was in 2003. The next lunar eclipse viewable from North America, will be on Dec. 21, 2011, according to NASA's Web site, www.

Assuming there are clear skies, Wednesday's eclipse can be viewed from almost anywhere.

But going to a forest preserve where there is a wider horizon and less interference from buildings and lights will help give a better view of the sky, Griffin said.

"It's just a clearer, darker spot," he said.

And having other people around to watch it and talk about it with also makes it more interesting than just watching the moon go dark and change colors on your own.

"It's just a nice event to share with other people," said Andy Weeks, who handles public relations for the Fox Valley Astronomical Society.

"You can bounce the things you see off one another. It's a good group activity."

Griffin and Weeks note that guests at the lunar eclipse party do not have to be club members, or even avid stargazers. The clubs, which also hosts open stargazing parties, welcome novices.

Griffin and Weeks said club members will be happy to show guests other stars, galaxies or planets in the sky at Wednesday's party.

In addition, the Kane County Astronomical Association will host a stargazing party at 8 p.m. March 28 at Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve.

For information on either club visit www.geocities.com/ kanecountyastro for the Kane County Astronomical Association or www.fvastro.org for the Fox Valley Astronomical Society.

If you go

Here are some tips if you plan to watch the lunar eclipse at Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve:

• Don't get lost. The Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve is located off Batavia's Main Street between Green Road and Route 47.

• Dress warmly. You'll be braving cold weather, so club members suggest dressing in layers and bringing a warm blanket to keep from getting too cold.

• Be comfortable. Bring a chair to sit on while you gaze into the sky.

• Bring warm drinks like hot chocolate, coffee or hot tea.

• Though the actual eclipse begins around 7:43 p.m., the total eclipse won't occur until 9 p.m. and ends around 9:50 p.m.

• If you own binoculars or a telescope, you may want to bring them for better viewing.