September 2, 2015
Contact: Nancy Lee Gomer, Marketing Coordinator, 636.949.7535 or cell 636.795.1137
St. Charles County, Missouri – Spectators of all ages are invited to join the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department and the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri (ASEM) to observe a unique total lunar eclipse, on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, at Broemmelsiek Park. The total lunar eclipse is expected to be a spectacular event in the sky to watch because it involves a Blood Moon. Join us in the park to watch the moon turn red during the total lunar eclipse cycle.
Weather permitting, citizens will have the opportunity to join in the fun of a total lunar eclipse watch party from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Astronomy Viewing Area in the park, located at 1615 Schwede Road, Wentzville, MO 63385. Maximum viewing of the total lunar eclipse is expected to begin at 9:47 p.m. The total lunar eclipse will be visible across the United States and can be viewed with the naked eye, but ASEM members will have high-powered telescopes for guests to view the night sky during the watch party. Photographers with high-tech cameras will also be able to capture the different stages of the eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth's shadow blocks the sun’s light, which otherwise reflects off the Moon. During the event, the Moon passes directly behind the Earth into its umbra or shadow. This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are closely aligned and a lunar eclipse can only occur the night of a full Moon.
For more information about the total lunar eclipse viewing at Broemmelsiek Park, visit the ASEM website at www.asemonline.org or contact the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department at (636) 949-7535.
###