See the lunar eclipse rain or shine in our state-of-the-art Planetarium!

Dec. 20, 2010 - PRLog -- Tonight’s total lunar eclipse is the only one this year, and the last one visible in North America until 2014. Residents in Arizona may miss this rare event beginning at 10:29 p.m. due to weather, but can visit Dorrance Planetarium at Arizona Science Center to view this space spectacle!

Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through the earth’s shadow. Unlike a solar eclipse, the moon is still visible to the naked eye, and poses no risk to the observer. “The color of the moon will appear red, because of the earth’s atmosphere refracting the sun’s rays. Blues and yellows get bent past the moon, but reds reflect off the moon’s surface causing the hue,” explains Planetarium Director Mike George.

Tonight’s lunar eclipse will begin in Arizona at 10:29 p.m., and will change slowly until reaching totality at approximately 12:41 a.m. Recent cloud cover may prohibit viewing; however both “Arizona Skies” and “Two Small Pieces of Glass” will feature the eclipse for a limited time in our Dorrance Planetarium. With show times occurring throughout the day, guests can experience the lunar eclipse without staying up late!

Arizona Science Center is open everyday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Regular general admission applies, and Planetarium entrance is additional. For more information, please visit www.azscience.org

About Dorrance Planetarium
State-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium at Arizona Science Center was the first planetarium at a science center in the world to feature NanoSeam Dome Technology. In addition to the NanoSeam Dome, the Dorrance Planetarium uses a Digistar3 projection system, a Digistar 3D astronomy package, and a Bowen Technovation audio system. This system provides real time 3D, full-dome, and high definition computer graphics with full color and full motion.

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About Arizona Science Center
The mission of Arizona Science Center is to inspire, educate and entertain people of all ages about science. The Center, located at 600 E. Washington St. in downtown Phoenix, features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, the state-of-the-art Dorrance planetarium and a five-story IMAX® theater. For more information please call 602-716-2000 or visit www.azscience.org.