See lunar eclipse Thursday

A total eclipse of the moon will be visible throughout North and South America on Thursday, May 15, and if the weather is nice, Utahns will be able to enjoy the celestial show.

Telescopes and binoculars aren't needed to watch a lunar eclipse — anyone can look up and watch the moon.

Still, many observers enjoy using telescopes to track Earth's shadow as it creeps across the craters, rilles and plains of our nearest neighbor in space. To assist them, the Salt Lake Astronomical Society is planning to set up telescopes at a free public eclipse watch in the parking lot of the Harmon's grocery store, 3270 S. 1300 East.

The observing will begin at 8:30 p.m. May 15.

This lunar eclipse is what Patrick Wiggins deems the "Peek-A-Boo Moon, Act 1." Wiggins, a noted amateur astronomer and NASA solar system ambassador to Utah, said the second act on Nov. 8 will be a repeat of the event.

Those watching will "see the moon rise, disappear and finally reappear."

Unseen until it hits some obstacle, Earth's shadow stretches through space directly opposite the sun. Lunar eclipses happen when this shadow sweeps across the face of the moon. Then, wherever people can see the moon, they can witness the eclipse.

On the other hand a solar eclipse happens when the moon gets between the sun and Earth. Only those in the path of the small dark shadow of the moon can see the eclipse.

Watching a solar eclipse "usually requires long journeys and special observing equipment," Wiggins said. The special gear is needed before and after totality in a solar eclipse, as looking directly at the sun causes permanent eye damage.

But the moon can be seen throughout a huge region and nobody's retina is scorched by looking only at the moon. Watching a lunar eclipse requires no special equipment and it can be done "in the comfort and safety of your own backyard," he said.

This month's lunar eclipse will begin half an hour before Utahns see the moon rising in the southeast. By the time of moonrise, about 8:45 p.m., Earth's shadow will cover nearly half the face of the natural satellite.