With a telescope or binoculars, hints of blue, green or other colors might be visible. But snow might ruin the spectacle across much of the Northeast and Northwest. Eclipse parties planned Many star clubs, planetariums and observatories planned to seize on the broad appeal of the eclipse with parties. In the western Massachusetts city of Springfield, hundreds are expected to crane their necks from a downtown parking lot next to a science museum. Getting away from ambient light is also a good idea.
Most people are likely to take a peek from backyards or apartment windows.
The familiarity that people feel for the moon heightens the sense of wonder when it steps behind a curtain, sky watchers say. There's no need for satellites or telescopes to view Thursday's lunar event. All viewers need are clear skies and their own eyes. Experienced watchers suggest looking for the first signs of darkening as the Earth's shadow advances from the moon's left side. The next total eclipse will be best visible from the West Coast on July 16.