The perfect excuse to head out to the hills for a night under the moon and stars. – Jake Fojtik photo

On Wednesday, March 23, there will be a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse visible in Boulder!

During a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, the Moon passes behind the Earth, in nearly perfect alignment with the Sun and Earth. The Earth blocks some of the light from the Sun, and casts a slight shadow over the Moon.

The Penumbral Eclipse will be visible in Boulder on March 23 at 3:39 AM, and will finish at 7:54 AM, peaking at 5:47 AM.

Lunar eclipses are among the easiest celestial phenomenon to watch. From Boulder, the eclipse should be readily viewable. For a great view of the lunar event, set your alarm clock early and head up to Chautauqua Park with a pair of binoculars or a camera. Better yet, take the next day off work and head camping to escape the city lights.

What to bring:

Alarm Clock, to wake up early

Jackets, it might be cold

Binoculars

Any camera, from a point-and-shoot to a fancy DSLR

Blankets

A significant other to cuddle with under the stars.

Where to go:

Chautauqua Park will offer a unique viewing venue with its Flatirons basked in moonlight

Flagstaff Road will showcase the moon above the twinkling city lights of Boulder and Denver. Or, continue up the road to the Walker Ranch area for truly dark night sky and piercing Moon.

Jake Fojtik