Tech to host lunar eclipse event Wednesday

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (February 18, 2008)---The Arkansas Tech University Department of Physical Science will host a public viewing of the total lunar eclipse on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Tech Observatory.

            The observatory, located on the south end of McEver Hall, will be open from 7:30-9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Dr. Wilson Gonzalez-Espada, associate professor of physical science, and Tech physics student Jason Ahrns will be on hand to answer questions.

            According to Gonzalez-Espada, the first signs of the eclipse will appear at 7:43 p.m. Wednesday. The Moon will be completely within the Earth’s shadow between 9:01 and 9:51 p.m., and the eclipse will end at approximately 11:09 p.m.

            “A total lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes through the umbra, or the darkest part of Earth’s shadow,” said Gonzalez-Espada. “You might expect the Moon to grow even more ashen than usual, but in fact it transforms into an orb of vivid red, the color of Earth’s shadow. An eclipse of the Moon can only take place at Full Moon.”

            Gonzalez-Espada also said that no special filter or telescope is required to see events such as the one on Wednesday.

            “It is a bright and leisurely display visible from cities and countryside alike,” said Gonzalez-Espada.

            For more information, call (479) 968-0293 or send e-mail to wgonzalezespada@atu.edu.

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