Quite a few EVAC members set up at two locations in the Desert Botanical Garden in east Phoenix. The eclipsed moon rose spectacularly over a hill dotted with saguaro cacti. As much as we astronomers don't like lights, I have to admit that the tastefully lit saguaros made for a perfect foreground. Thanks again go to Howard Israel, who is the reason for the dramatic increase in public EVAC events. I used a 70mm refractor and 10x30mm image-stabilized binoculars. The small scope at 24x surrounded the moon with plenty of sky. This may be selective memory, but despite the brightness of this eclipse, it seemed less colorful than others I have viewed. At mid-totality, the moon had a "C" shape (a crescent facing to the left) due to the moon not passing centrally through the earth's shadow. My best view was through the IS binoculars. To take full advantage of the stabilization, it is best to brace your elbows on a vehicle or something first. Then when you press the IS button, the smaller quiver in the image goes away, and you're left convinced the things are mounted on a tripod. As with previous eclipses, the binoculars gave a real 3D impression of a sphere hanging in the sky, something I naver get from a non-eclipsed moon. As for surrounding star field, this one wasn't one of the best. The moon was placed in a bland star field in Libra. In November of 1993, an eclipsed moon was placed between the Hyades and Pleiades. During Summer of 1983, I remember seeing the moon near the Lagoon Nebula in a busy star field. Many Phoenicians include May as one of the uncomfortably hot months. I can't imagine more pleasant conditions than what we had last night in the desert. Tom -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.