May 11,  2022 3:30 a.m. 

The Paul Morgan Observatory at Umpqua Community College will reopen to the public on Sunday, after being closed for over two years, due to the pandemic.

Associate Professor of Astronomy Paul Morgan said that evening the dark red Super Flower Full Moon will be rising in total eclipse. Morgan said weather permitting, the observatory telescopes will project images of the eclipse onto a large digital screen showcasing the event in real-time for public viewing.

UCC’s release said eclipse totality begins at 8:29 p.m., with the moon rising in the southeast at 8:25 p.m. The moon will clear the hills in the southeast within the first twenty to thirty minutes and visitors will be rewarded with a blood moon climbing slowly into view, rising from the hills south of Mount Scott. Totality will last nearly another hour until 9:54 p.m. The total eclipse concludes one hour later, with the reappearance of the brilliant Super Flower Full Moon.

Morgan said the facility is the only active digital observatory in the northwest and one of only two community colleges with an observatory. Morgan said there are three high-powered telescopes: 9, 11 and 14 inches, permanently installed in the building with a rooftop that slides open to expose the night sky. Everyone will be able to see the moon up close without having to stand or climb up to look through the telescopes, as the digital technology allows visitors to see the moon on a large digital screen, according to Morgan.

Residents are invited to the free Lunar Eclipse Stargaze event, weather permitting, from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at UCC. Those attending should dress warmly and bring a folding chair, binoculars and blankets. Parking is available in the lower lot near the Technology Center. The observatory is handicap accessible and designed for wheelchair viewing of the digital screen.

Call 673-1081 for more information.