Fresno State planetarium to hold viewing for Sunday’s lunar eclipse

The Downing Planetarium will host a telescope viewing of the total lunar eclipse on Sunday, Fresno State said.

The event, which is at Fresno State near Barstow and Maple avenues, will give people a free look at the eclipse from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The total lunar eclipse, known as a blood moon because it turns dark red, will last for about one hour and 12 minutes.

The eclipse begins at 5:11 p.m. but the full eclipse will be visible in Fresno starting at 7:11 p.m.

The Central California Astronomers will lend telescopes and expertise to attendees, and the Fresno State Physics Outreach program will show hands-on demonstrations, the university said.

The planetarium will have two special showings before the start of the eclipse at 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Reservations can be made online or tickets can be bought at the door. The cost of these two shows is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children and students.

Free parking will be available next to the planetarium in lots P15 and P16, the university said. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to the event.

For more information on the shows call 559-278-4121, or to make reservations call 559-278-4071.

This story was originally published September 25, 2015 at 8:10 PM with the headline "Fresno State planetarium to hold viewing for Sunday’s lunar eclipse."