Total Eclipse of the Moon

(Flickr pic by Grzesiek.)

Turn around, bright eyes: Griffith Observatory will be open late tonight to celebrate this evening's total lunar eclipse.

Event starts with moonrise at 5:30 p.m.; the Observatory will be open until 10 p.m. to mark the event. Totality begins at 7:01 p.m. and ends at 7:52 p.m.

Some details from the Observatory:

Griffith Observatory will celebrate the total lunar eclipse with special activities on the front lawn, including a star party co-hosted by the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., P.S.T.

Telescopes will be operated on the front lawn to provide the public with viewing opportunities of the Moon during the eclipse, as well as Saturn, Mars, and other astronomical objects. Griffith Observatory Director Dr. E.C. Krupp and Curator Dr. Laura Danly will provide a play-by-play report of the progress of the eclipse. All exhibits and telescopes will be open and free to the public. There will also be brief lectures inside the building.

Southern California won't experience another total lunar eclipse until Dec. 21, 2010 -- so if you miss tonight's events, you have nearly three years to clear your schedule for the next one.