A total lunar eclipse will be visible across the entire U.S., Sat., March 3, and Tulsans can view the event with astronomers at “Dark Shadows,” presented by the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium."This is a great opportunity to learn about our universe while witnessing an exciting event that has fascinated mankind for thousands of years," says Christopher Pagan, director of the Bertelsmeyer Planetarium at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon is directly opposite the sun and passes into the earth’s shadow, Pagan said. The March 3 eclipse already will be in progress when the moon rises at 6:19 p.m. in Tulsa.
TASM will be joined by the Astronomy Club of Tulsa. Club members will assist planetarium visitors in viewing the eclipse from 6-9 p.m., Pagan said. They also will point out planets and other visible night sky features.
The James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium also will feature planetarium shows at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the night of the eclipse. The show, “BIG,” will be presented at 7 and 8 p.m. The 7:30 show includes a live overview of what is visible in the current night’s sky.
Admission to the planetarium for this special event only is $2 for visitors age 5 and older. Younger children are admitted free, when sitting on an adult’s lap. The Sherman and Ellie Smith Hangar One Museum will be closed that evening.
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum is located at 3624 N. 74th E. Ave. Call 918-834-9900 or visit http://www.tulsaairandspacemuseum.com/ for more information.
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