OCC to hold lunar eclipse bash

Orange Coast College’s Astronomy Department will be hosting a lunar

eclipse party for the community from 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 20 in honor of the

first total lunar eclipse of the 21st century.

“The moon will begin to enter the Earth’s shadow at approximately 6

p.m.,” said OCC assistant professor of astronomy, Nicholas Contopoulos.

“Totality will occur at about 8 p.m.”

The event will give students and local citizens the opportunity to view

and discuss the phenomenon. As many as 10 telescopes will be on the lawn

in front of the school’s planetarium for public use.

Multicultural cosmic mythology will be shared with attendees by members

of OCC’s Native American Student Organization.

Refreshments will be served.

More than 100 people are expected to attend the event.