St. Charles County, Mo. -  At 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20 at the Quail Ridge Lodge in Quail Ridge Park, the St. Charles County Parks Department will host a free public viewing of the spectacular lunar eclipse occurring that evening. The moon will enter partial eclipse at 7:43 p.m. (CST) and reach total eclipse around 9 p.m. The total phase will continue until around 10 p.m., and the eclipse will conclude around 11 p.m.

Eclipses occur when Earth's orbit moves the planet in a direct line between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the moon.

The eclipse will be visible with the naked eye, but guests can bring their own binoculars or share ones provided by the Parks Department for closer observation. During the total eclipse, the moon's appearance is expected to change from its normal white reflection to an orange, red, or brown color - as the light rays from the sun are filtered by the Earth's atmosphere.

Located near the intersection of Highway 40/61 and Interstate 70 in Wentzville, Quail Ridge Park was the County's first park, having opened in 2002. To get to the park from Interstate 70, go south on Highway 40/61 to the first stoplight, Callahan Road. Turn right on Callahan Road and make an immediate right onto Quail Ridge Parkway. Follow Quail Ridge Parkway to the park entrance on the left.

Advanced registration is encouraged for this family friendly event, and groups with more than 10 members planning to attend are asked to call the Department at 636-949-7535 to assist with staffing preparations.

The Lunar Eclipse event kicks off the Department's 2008 Stars of St. Charles County program schedule, which partners with the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri and the Alliance for Astronomy to provide close-up views of far-away places. The popular monthly star-gazing events will be held at the new Astronomy Viewing Area in Broemmelsiek Park, located on Schwede Road, five miles south of the Highway 40/WingHaven Boulevard exit,and at Shelter 3 in Klondike Park, located near Augusta on Highway 94 South, 14 miles south of Highway 40 from April through October. For a complete list of the 2008 star gazing events and their locations, please visit www.stccparks.org.

The St. Charles County Parks Department will offer nearly 150 programs for County residents and visitors this year at each of the eight parks open to the public. Including guided hikes and bike rides, events for children, educational lectures, and other recreational opportunities, the majority of these events are free and open to everyone. For more information or for registration, please call the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636-949-7535 or visit www.stccparks.org.