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Lunar Eclipse Is Simple Pleasure

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By TODD RUGER, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: February 19, 2008

Updated: 02/18/2008 11:23 pm

Catching the moon turning a dark red during Wednesday night's eclipse will not take special equipment, precise timing or setting an alarm clock for the middle of the night.

This is an astronomical event made for the masses, starting at sunset, lasting four hours, and peaking about half an hour before the 11 o'clock news.

"It's going to be very, very easy to see," said Jeff Rodgers of the Bishop Planetarium in Bradenton. "It's well-suited for having a gathering."

In astronomical terms, that means a party, and it can be thrown right in your backyard. Here is how to see it in three easy steps:

•Find a clear line of sight to the east at sunset, and watch as the earth's shadow starts to affect the rising moon as the sun sets behind you. The eclipse officially begins at 8:43 p.m.

•Check back at 9:30 or 10 p.m., as the moon enters its darkest phase.

Binoculars or a small telescope will enhance the view but are not necessary.

•Look again at 10:26 p.m. for the best observation of the total eclipse, which will be the last one visible here until December 2010.

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