weather update ...

While the NOAA public forecast for tonight is "mostly cloudy," the astronomy-specific Clear Sky Clock <http://cleardarksky.com/c/MnrviaCAkey.html> is actually very promising. I want to emphasize, though, that a total lunar eclipse is not an event that requires a telescope to enjoy. There's really no need to travel anywhere to see it, except perhaps to find clearer skies. If you step out and see the eclipse as the moon goes in, sits in, and comes out of the Earth's shadow, it's a very satisfying sight! Here are the specific times: Moon rise: 5:32 p.m. Partial eclipse begins: 5:43 p.m. Total eclipse begins: 7:01 p.m. Total eclipse ends: 7:51 p.m. Partial eclipse ends: 9:09 p.m. This chart has times for the pacific coast: <http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/LEmono/TLE2008Feb21/image/TLE2008Feb21-PST.GIF> From Library Park in Monrovia, the moon isn't likely to be above the nearby buildings before almost 7:00. That's when we plan to have the telescope available. We'll also have Saturn to see. It'll be the bright golden star right next to the totally eclipsed moon. And don't forget Jane's "What's Up" podcast: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/videos/whatsup/whatsup20080219/ Best regards, Mojo -- Morris Jones Monrovia, CA http://www.whiteoaks.com Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers http://www.otastro.org