The Department of Physics and Astronomy will be hosting an event that features three speakers and an observation this Friday. On display will be the next full moon and lunar eclipse.

WHO: The observation and lecture is held by the Department of Physics and Astronomy and open to the general public.

WHAT: Lucas Johnson, a graduate student, will talk about lunar eclipses. His lecture will be followed by an observation of the full moon and lunar eclipse through multiple telescopes.

“Feb. 10 this month is special because the Moon will pass into the penumbral shadow of the Earth, a shadow zone where the Sun is only partially blocked by the Earth,” said Ronald Buta, an astronomy professor at the University. “This differs from a total lunar eclipse where the Moon passes into the darkest part, or umbral, shadow of the Earth.  The full moon should appear slightly dimmer than usual during the eclipse.”

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 10 from 6:15-9 p.m.

WHERE: 227 Gallalee Hall

WHY: “Public astronomy nights in general are designed to show the public the wonders of the night sky and allow people to see for real things they might have seen before only in pictures,” Buta said.