During the evening of Thursday, Aug. 27 the moon will be peeking around the corner to get at least a partial look at us and Flandrau Planetarium will be looking back.
During the partial lunar eclipse 96% of the moon’s surface will be in the earth’s umbra or inner shadow. Just a tiny sliver will be in the penumbra (earth’s outer shadow). To celebrate Flandrau is hosting a watch party because here in the Old Pueblo, any excuse for a party and it’s not just for those associated with the university. Everyone is invited. Best of all, it’s free to get a gander through their telescopes.
The next partial lunar eclipse visible in Tucson will take place in August 2027.
Flandrau is also hosting a free laser show featuring Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon,” which will be played in its entirety.
It is quite the show but it’s also a way Flandrau uses to get people interested in science, particularly the science of the heavens.
“It definitely fits in with our mission of inspiring new people to discover science, “ Flandrau’s marketing and communications manager Nick Letson said. “Maybe they’re coming for the Pink Floyd but they’re staying for the telescopes.”
Flandrau has a number of laser shows to a plethora of different types of music. Look for Taylor Swift, ABBA, AC/DC and Daft Punk to name a few.
For those who have never been to a laser show, it involves color, music and light, all in the company of fellow enthusiasts.
“It’s a special experience to be able to sit down in a dark room with other people and the music comes on and the laser light show comes on, you’re there for that specific purpose, to listen to music,” Letson said. “It’s different than listening to music when you’re cleaning your house or driving around town. The laser shows are choreographed to the music so it’s really an audio/visual experience but it’s also a shared experience.”
One aspect of the laser shows is that they bridge generations.
“I love seeing it when it’s a generational experience when grandparents bring their son, daughter, grandchildren to something that they used to do in the ‘70s,” Letson added. “I often call it a ‘generational classic,’ Pink Floyd specifically.”
Although Flandrau has the capability of creating the laser shows and have done some Christmas shows, the shows usually come as a package from the company, Laser Fantasy. Letson said their designer is so much better at making them than at the planetarium. Plus, Flandrau has a very small staff and a lot of stuff to do.
The planetarium has been around for 50 years and it turns out the laser shows have been a great addition.
“Laser shows have been a good vehicle for us to bring in new people and to have these special evening experiences,” Letson said.
Included with a laser show ticket is entry into the two floors of exhibits Flandrau offers, covering marine life, insects and planetary science.
Timeline:
Penumbral eclipse starts: 6:23 p.m. (not visible)
Moon rises 6:45 p.m.
Partial eclipse starts: 7:33 p.m.
Maximum eclipse: 9:12 p.m.
Partial eclipse ends: 10:51 p.m.
Penumbral eclipse ends: 12:01 a.m.
Flandrau Planetarium Partial Lunar Eclipse Watch Party
WHEN: 5:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27
WHERE: Flandrau Planetarium, 1601 E. University Boulevard
INFO: Watch Party: flandrau.org/august-2026-tucson-partial-lunar-eclipse-information-and-watch-party
Laser Show: flandrau.org/explore/laser-light-music-nights
