It has been a long time since there has been a good astronomical event over Fillmore. This Total Lunar Eclipse will be seen, weather permitting, over most of the western United States.

Here is the timing of the event...
Partial phases begin at 10:59 p.m. 4/14/14
Totality begins at 12:08 a.m. 4/15/14
Greatest phase of eclipse at 12:46 a.m. 4/15/14
Totality ends at 1:23 a.m. 4/15/14
Partial phases ends at 2:32 a.m. 4/15/14

The moon should be easy to see, because it will be nearly overhead around midnight. If you want to try and photograph this event, it is best to use a long telephoto lens. Try frame the eclipsed moon with a palm or other large tree, or a person “holding” the eclipsed moon in their hand. Be imaginative and try to get a picture of this very unusual total lunar eclipse. Just imagine trying to take a picture of a giant orange-colored peach setting in the sky. The color of the eclipse will depend on the dust or particulates that are in our atmosphere. It can range from light orange to blood red. Just go out, bring a blanket or bundle up on a lounge chair and find a nice seat with a view of the open night sky and look for the Total Lunar Eclipse after midnight. Enjoy this astronomical event!

Carmelita Miranda
Dreamweaver Observatory