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