What:
See a rare total eclipse of a “supermoon” Sept. 27 at the Fullerton Arboretum — the last of four total lunar eclipses in 2014-15. The last supermoon eclipse occurred in 1982 and the next one isn’t set to occur again until 2033. The community event is organized by Cal State Fullerton’s Physics Department.
When:
Sunday, Sept. 27
6-9 p.m.
Full eclipse at 7:40 p.m.
What:
Cal State Fullerton,
Fullerton Arboretum
1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, 92831
Additional:
Telescopes will be set up for public viewing and visitors are welcome to bring binoculars. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed without special eyewear. The event also features a total lunar eclipse and star show in the University’s portable planetarium.
Why:
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow blocks sunlight and casts a shadow on the full moon. In a total lunar eclipse, the Earth’s shadow completely covers the moon, explained Shovit Bhari, staff physicist. The total lunar eclipse also is called a blood moon because the moon turns a reddish color.
“During the total eclipse, the moon will appear to be red. Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is scattered, and the red light is bent around the Earth to illuminate the eclipsed, or shadowed moon,” Bhari said, adding that supermoons occur when the moon reaches its full phase at or near its closest approach to Earth. As a result, the moon appears large and bright. “The supermoon and the lunar eclipse occurring simultaneously will make the night spectacular,” he said.
Cost:
$5 for adults and children; children under three and CSUF students with Titan Card are free.
More Info:
657-278-3366 or visit the Physics Department website.
Parking:
Free parking at Fullerton Arboretum lot. For information and directions, visit the Fullerton Arboretum website.
Media Contacts:
Shovit Bhari, Physics, 657-278-3366
Jocelyn Read, assistant professor of physics
Joshua Smith, associate professor of physics
Debra Cano Ramos