Setting your alarm for the century's shortest total lunar eclipse? Here are some great options for watching it.
At about 3 a.m. PT on Saturday, April 4, the moon will begin to skim across the edge of the Earth's shadow. Totality -- when the moon is completely in Earth's umbra -- will last for a brief five minutes, from about 4:58 a.m. to 5:03 a.m.
The moon will turn a creepy blood-red.
Weather permitting, skywatchers west of the Mississippi will have a clear view of the total eclipse.
In the Windy City, moon lovers can enjoy refreshments, listen to lectures, and watch the eclipse at Chicago's Adler Planetarium. The family-friendly viewing party runs from 3:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. local time.
On the West Coast? The San Francisco Amateur Astronomers group is setting up telescopes on Ocean Beach. All are invited to come and see the fleeting blood moon. Meanwhile, Oregonians can watch the eclipse at Milo McIver State Park's viewing party.
If you're on the East Coast, where the total eclipse won't be visible, or if you simply prefer to watch from the comfort of your own home, tune into the The Slooh Community Observatory's free webcast starting at 6 a.m. EST.
Get ready to marvel.
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