Lunar Eclipse Event is ON!

The Total Lunar Eclipse Event planned for March 13th at 11pm is ON! However, cloud coverage predictions aren’t looking great and are frequently changing.  It appears the coverage will be high thin cirrus clouds which could still give us an opportunity to view the eclipse. Although, viewing it will likely be spotty and make other planned observations of planets, nebulae, and galaxies difficult. Nonetheless, we’ve decided to move forward with the event but want to make sure expectations are clear as we’ll likely need to pivot on observations. Unvalidated tickets purchased for the event will be refunded on Friday, so if you don’t show up, your account will be credited in 3-5 business days.  If you’d like to wait out the weather forecast a little more, online ticket purchasing will be open till 1am on March 14th. You can even purchase tickets at the event using your mobile device.  Worst case, it’s a still great opportunity to come tour our observatory, meet and support our wonderful staff, and grab some hot chocolate or local drip coffee. 

March 13th Lunar Eclipse Event!

Join us for a night of fun as we view the stars during the Total Lunar Eclipse! This event starts at 11pm with a Sky Tonight Presentation at 11:30pm. Tickets will be available online for $8 and go on sale March 1^st.   In the event of bad or cloudy weather, we will need to cancel the event.  We will update the top of this page 2pm on March 13th with that information.  

Tickets 

Tickets must be purchased in advance online using the "Purchase Tickets" link below.  Mass refunds will be issued if the event is cancelled due to the weather.  These refunds will be processed the next business day after the event and should credit your account within the next 3-5 business days.  Weather cancelation is the only reason we will be able to process refunds. 

Questions/Contact Us: (940) 369-8213 | skytheater@unt.edu

Lunar Eclipse Activity Map

View Map as PDF

Lunar Eclipse Further Details 

We will run our Star Party stations up until 1:20am, the beginning of the Full Eclipse. All stations will be paused during this period until 2:30am, when the Full Eclipse ends. From there until the end of the star party at 3:30am, we will begin operations of the star party stations once more.

Parking is first come first served in the grass lot; additional parking can be found on both sides of Tom Cole Road. We ask that you do not trespass onto any farmland while parking.

Our Star Party Stations will include:

• A look at the Moon and Planets with our two Domes
• Use of our Dobsonian telescopes to view the moon and planets
• Our Digital Unistellar Telescope viewing Galaxies, Star Clusters, and Nebulae
• Two of our Telescope Buildings viewing the Moon, Galaxies, Star Clusters, and Nebulae
• Classrooms open for:
  • Livestream of the lunar eclipse
  • Fun activities for the kids
  • Educational videos about lunar eclipses and NASA lunar projects!
• FREE Triptych Drip Coffee!
• Triptych Coffee mobile coffee cart for purchase of espresso, lattes, and more!

Since this is a late event, we will have regular coffee and hot chocolate on hand for free until supplies run out.  Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.  

Directions:

The Rafes Urban Astronomy Center is located at 2350 Tom Cole Road, in Denton, TX.

From I35W exit FM 2449 and turn northwest and continue 2.9 miles. Turn right on to C.Wolfe Rd and travel 1.6 miles. Turn right on to Tom Cole Rd and continue 1.2 miles. The Rafes Urban Astronomy Center will be on the left.