"A lunar eclipse is what we see when our planet blocks the sun’s light from the moon. In essence, the moon moves into the shadow of the earth, as a person would move into the shadow of a building,” says Paul Delaney, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at York U.

Delaney will be on hand to answer questions, including those surrounding the stages of an eclipse, and how it compares to other celestial phenomena.

“For at least a period of an hour, you’ll see the moon, which is normally very bright, turn dark – it often fades to a coppery red or orange shade,” says Delaney. This colour change is caused by the longer wavelength of red light, which is able to reach the Earth’s surface even as the planet blocks all direct light coming from the sun.

Unlike solar eclipses, which can be extremely dangerous if viewed directly, lunar eclipses pose no threat to curious observers.

 “The whole effect of a lunar eclipse is subtly beautiful and no more hazardous than looking up at the moon on any other night,” Delaney says.

He stresses that no special equipment is needed, but adds that the experience would be heightened by a pair of binoculars – which allow even an amateur to pick out craters on the moon’s surface. Would-be sky gazers need only heed one caution – the weather up on the rooftop can be chilly.

“Warm clothing, a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa would certainly be a plus.”

WHAT:          Lunar eclipse

WHEN:          Wednesday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m. – midnight (and into the early hours of Oct. 28)

WHERE:        Arboretum Observatory Facility (south-east rooftop of Arboretum Parking Garage), York University, 4700 Keele Street

For further information, members of the public should visit: www.yorku.ca/observe or contact: 416-736-2100, ext. 77763.

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For further information, or to arrange an interview, the media should contact:

Melissa Hughes, Media Relations, York University, 416-736-2100, ext. 22097 / mehughes@yorku.ca

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