What to do this weekend in Chicago: See the 'Blood Moon' at a lunar eclipse viewing event

A total lunar eclipse will be visible in much of North America this Sunday, May 15th.

Image by 0fjd125gk87 from Pixabay

(CHICAGO) This Sunday, May 15th, Chicagoland will have a skywatching treat when a total lunar eclipse occurs. The Flower Moon will pass into the Earth's shadow starting at 8:32 PM CT.

Assuming the weather cooperates and the clouds stay away, the Chicagoland region is in a prime spot to view the entire eclipse.

How to watch it?

You don't need anything special, like a telescope or binoculars, to view the eclipse. Just head outside and look up Sunday night. The partial lunar eclipse will begin at 9:27 PM CT in the Chicago area. The total eclipse will last from 10:29 PM CT to 11:53 PM CT.

Although you can watch it from your own backyard, you can also join other sky-watching enthusiasts and maybe even get a closer view through a telescope. There are several public viewing events (all free and open to the public) around Chicago and the suburbs.

The Adler Planetarium: Lunar Eclipse #LookUp

Where: 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

Head to the Adler Planetarium for a free public viewing event from 9 PM to 12 AM, Sunday, May 15th. Go here for more details and free tickets.

Experts will be on hand to answer questions and set up small telescopes for a closer look at the Moon. It's an outdoor event only, so don't forget your lawn chairs and blankets.

Northwestern University, Evanston

Where: Segal Visitors Center, top floor of Lot 211 South Campus Parking Garage, 1841 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL

Northwestern astronomers invite the public to join them on the top floor of the Segal Visitors Center to watch the total eclipse with telescopes.

The event runs from 9 PM to 11:45 PM CT. Go here for details.

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville

Where: Greene Valley Scenic Overlook

The Naperville Astronomical Association is holding a public viewing event at the scenic overlook in the Green Valley Forest Preserve, one of DuPage County's highest points.

No registration is required. Gates open at 8 PM, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own binoculars or telescopes. Go here for additional details.

The Chicago Astronomer: Solidarity Drive in Chicago

Where: Solidarity Drive, the street that leads up to the Adler Planetarium

The Chicago Astronomer, an organization of urban astronomers, is welcoming the public to join them Sunday night on Solidarity Drive. Telescopes will be available, but they warn these types of events can get crowded. Check out the Chicago Astronomer's Facebook page for all the details.

Check before you go

All events are subject to cancellation due to weather. Check for updates before you go.

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