A total lunar eclipse will be visible from across Australia on October 8. The eclipse occurs during the early evening and a number of planetariums and observatories around the country will be hosting events. It’s a great chance to share the leisurely and grand experience of the eclipse with others.

Total Lunar Eclipse Events – Wednesday 8 October

A Night with the Moon
@ the Adelaide Planetarium
Experience the journey of an astronomical event with a guided tour from our astronomy educator, Martin Lewicki. Martin will explain how the eclipse occurs along with a guided tour of the night sky in the Planetarium followed by outdoor telescope viewing (weather permitting). Bring along your blankets/chairs, drinks, nibbles and binoculars for a great night under the stars.

Planetarium Session 1: 6:30pm – 7pm
Planetarium Session 2: 7:15pm – 7:45pm
Outdoor Telescope Viewing: from 7:45pm
Cost: $7 per person

If you cannot make it to one of the planetarium sessions you are more than welcome to join us for the outdoor telescope viewing from 7:45pm (weather permitting). Cost $2 per person donation towards the upgrade of the Planetarium.

University of New South Wales – Physics Lawn
UNSW Physics invites you to see the Earth’s shadow pass over the Moon! The event will include a presentation on the Moon by UNSW Physics Outreach Manager Shane Hengst, along with refreshments. Following the lecture will be viewing of the total lunar eclipse and the night sky (weather permitting).

Time: 6:45pm, for 7:15pm lecture
Cost: free

Sydney Observatory 
Enjoy great viewing of a total eclipse of the Moon from Sydney Observatory. The Moon will start to move into Earth’s shadow at 8.15pm and will be fully immersed by 9.25pm. Totality ends at 10.25pm with the Moon finally leaving the Earth’s shadow at 11.35pm. Snacks, tea, coffee and hot chocolate available for purchase on site. For ages 5 and over.

Time: 8pm – 11:30pm
Cost: $59 family, $22 adult, $15 child; Members: $48 family, $18 adult, $12 child

Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum
Come along for a great evening under the beautiful eclipsed Moon. While there view Saturn and deep sky objects at the telescopes. Includes complimentary tea/coffee. BYO picnic or book dinner from 6pm at the 3rd Rock Cafe.

Time: 6pm to late
Cost: $10 adults, $8 concession, $5 student (under 18), $15 family 4 (2 adults + 2 children), $20 family 5 (2 adults + 3 children)

Melbourne Planetarium, Scienceworks
Share in the wonder of watching Earth’s shadow engulf the Moon and marvel at the vivid reminder that we are part of a much larger Universe. It will be the perfect vantage point for watching the eclipse occur as the Moon rises above the Melbourne city skyline.

The evening will include: expert commentary by Museum Victoria’s Senior Curator of Astronomy, Dr Tanya Hill; telescope viewing (weather permitting); the premiere screening in Melbourne of the planetarium show ‘Back to the Moon for Good‘; live feeds from national and international observatories; and scrumptious canapés and wine bar.

Time:7:30pm – 10:30pm
Cost: $85 adult, $80 concession and MV members