Media Advisory
What: Free Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party
When: Sunday, Sept. 27 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: MCC Planetarium, Mesa Community College
1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85202
Who: Media and general public
Why: Last Lunar Eclipse of 2015
Telescopes will be available for viewing the surface of the Moon and other bright sky objects. Astronomers will be on hand to demonstrate how eclipses work, explain the "Blood Moon" and “Supermoon” effects, and answer general astronomy questions!
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned to form an almost or exact straight line. The next major eclipse event visible from Phoenix will not occur until August of 2017 and the next “Supermoon” will not be visible until 2033!
The Moon will rise at 6:15 p.m. and will already be in partial eclipse at that time. Gradually, more and more of the Moon's surface will be shaded by the Earth's shadow until the Moon is in Total Eclipse at 7:11 p.m. This lasts until 8:23 p.m. with the maximum eclipse occurring at 7:47 p.m. During this period, the Moon will begin to appear red. Afterwards, the partial eclipse phase continues until 9:27 p.m. when the Moon moves out of the darkest part of Earth's shadow. You may even be able to see the remainder of the penumbral eclipse until 10:22 p.m.
Note: A Planetarium show will not be offered in conjunction with the Lunar Eclipse celebration.
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Contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.