Catalina residents and visitors will have an unusual opportunity to witness a total eclipse of the moon - an astronomical event that rarely occurs with such spectacular timing - from the best spot on the Island, the Airport in the Sky.

Moonrise is at 5:34 p.m.; sunset is at 5:42 p.m. The moon will enter the Earth's shadow (umbra) at 5:43 p.m., and will enter a total eclipse at 7:00 p.m. Totality will last for fifty-one minutes.

According to astronomers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the totally eclipsed moon won't be totally dark--and that's what makes totality delightful. Earth's atmosphere bends sunlight into our planet's shadow and onto the moon. This sunlight is reddened as it travels a great distance through our dusty atmosphere, and so the moon looks red. Sunsets on Earth look red for the same reason.

Visitors to the Airport are encouraged to dress warm and bring telescopes and binoculars. For those without glasses, the Catalina Island Conservancy Education department will be here with a telescope set up to view this event.

"This is a tremendous chance to see a major celestial event that rarely happens at a such a convenient time," said Paul Moritz, Director of Airport Operations. "We invite the entire community up here to be a part of it."

The Conservancy's "Wildlands Express" shuttle bus will leave the Plaza in Avalon at 5:30 p.m., and arrive at the airport at approximately 6:00 p.m.

The DC-3 Grill & Gifts restaurant will remain open and serve a special lasagna dinner with tossed salad and garlic bread for only $8.95. Reservations are required so call the restaurant at 310-510-2196.

For tickets and reservations call the Catalina Island Conservancy office at 310-510-2595. Seats are limited so call now. Mention the code words 'Moon Pie' and receive the special discount rate of $10.00 round trip for adults and $5.00 round trip for students. (Adults must accompany students) Children under 5 yrs are free. The bus will leave the airport at 8:30 PM and arrive back in Avalon at 9:00 PM.

For more information visit www.CatalinaConservancy.org