Lunar Eclipse in Geneva

Yes, you can see the Dec. 20-21 lunar eclipse just about anywhere. But in Geneva, your best bet might be the Nature Interpretation Barn at .

During the eight hours starting near midnight the night of Dec.20-21, the entire country will have a pair of early and unusual holiday presents: a total eclipse of the moon and the Winter Solstice.

The moon will begin to pass under the shadow of the Earth at 11:27 p.m. on Dec. 20. The sunrise a few hours later marks the Winter Solstice. 

In conjunction with the , the Fox Valley Astronomical Society (FVAS) will be conducting a public event at the Nature Interpretation Barn at Peck Farm Park starting at midnight. The barn is heated and will provide a comfortable place in which to warm up between observing sessions.

Complementary hot chocolate and coffee will be provided.

The members of the FVAS will bring a collection of telescopes for public viewing of this event and will be available to answer any questions the public may have. Since lunar eclipses take many hours to develop, the viewing will start after a brief midnight lecture.

The eclipse will last until 5:06 a.m. The maximum eclipse (darkening) of the moon will occur at 2:17 a.m. After that, the moon will emerge slowly from the shadow of the earth. The public is welcome to come and go at any time, but the best viewing times, weather permitting is between midnight and 2:17 a.m. The lecture/video show in the barn will repeat every hour.

This event requires at least partially clear skies. Therefore, it is recommended that potential guests should check the Fox Valley Astronomical Society's website at www.fvastro.com for updates.

In the event of snow that night, the event will be canceled in the interest of public safety. No registration is required for groups of 10 or less. Larger groups should register using the information e-mail link at the website at least 48 hours prior to the event.