This year brings North America two opportunities to view a total eclipse of the moon, the first in the early hours of April 15. The second happens Oct. 8, followed by a partial solar eclipse Oct. 23.

In ancient times, an eclipse may have been seen as an omen, but today, viewing an eclipse serves as a reminder of our journey in the solar system.

Viewing the Lunar Eclipse The following events are free and open to the public: • Northern Colorado Astronomical Society at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area on Carpenter Road, 11:30 p.m. April 14 to 4 a.m. April 15. For information, ncastro.org. • Little Thompson Observatory just east of Berthoud High School, 10 p.m. April 14 to 3 a.m. April 15; popcorn will be provided inside the observatory while waiting for the eclipse. For information, starkids.org. Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter will also be visible (weather dependent) through telescopes at both sites.

Up to seven solar and lunar (moon) eclipses can occur in one year, according to Sky and Telescope’s website. The last time that happened was in 1982. Just because an eclipse occurs doesn’t mean you can see it — you must be at the right spot on earth at the right time.

A lunar eclipse happens when Earth is between the sun and moon, or more precisely, as the moon passes into Earth’s shadow. The moon has to be full for a lunar eclipse to occur — this is the only time the moon is directly on the other side of the earth from the sun. In addition, you have to be on the side of the earth facing the moon.

The moon travels around the earth about once every month, which makes it seem we should see an eclipse that often. The lunar orbit is tipped about 5 degrees to Earth’s orbit, however, so most of the time the moon passes just above or below our orbit, allowing the sun’s rays to reflect off the moon’s surface.

A lunar eclipse can be seen with the naked eye. Telescopes and binoculars help bring details more in focus. April’s lunar eclipse is a bonus for night owls. The eclipse begins just before midnight, with totality lasting from 1:07 to 2:25 a.m.

“People should note the color and darkness of the moon during totality,” advises Greg Halac of the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. “It can typically range from orange to dark brick red depending on the particles in the atmosphere and how close the moon passes to the center of the earth’s shadow.”

Even during totality, the moon does not completely disappear. Space.com explains that some sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, is scattered and refracted, and refocused back on the moon. The orange or red glow happens because red light is not scattered as much as other colors in the spectrum.

Halac adds, “Another thing to look for is how many more stars appear during totality than were visible under the moonlight.”