Near Total Lunar Eclipse to Light Up Santa Barbara Sky

MONTECITO, Calif. (KEYT) - A near-total lunar eclipse is giving Santa Barbara area skywatchers a reason to look up as Westmont Observatory opens to the public for the nighttime event.

Nearly all of the moon will move into Earth’s shadow, with the eclipse expected to reach about 96 percent coverage.

As Earth blocks the sunlight normally reaching the moon, its surface could take on a reddish color, creating what is commonly known as a blood moon.

Physicist Kenneth Kihlstrom explained how the observatory’s telescope will help visitors follow the eclipse.

“It’s all computer controlled. We just tell it where to point and it moves it,” Kihlstrom said.

The reddish appearance happens as some sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the moon.

“When you’re in the total shadow of the Earth, it’s like you’re seeing the sunsets from all around the Earth,” Kihlstrom said.

Astronomy enthusiast Tom Giles has watched lunar eclipses from several parts of the country and views the event as a chance to experience something beyond everyday life.

“The lunar eclipse is fun because you’re actually seeing nature,” Giles said. “It’s exciting because it’s Mother Nature putting on a show, something that humans can’t duplicate.”

Physicists and astronomy enthusiasts will be on hand to help visitors get a closer look and better understand what is happening in the night sky.

“Half the world can see it because if it’s nighttime, you can see the moon, you can see the eclipse,” Kihlstrom said.

The eclipse is expected to peak around 9:13 p.m.

The gathering gives the community a chance to watch the eclipse together under the night sky.

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