To shoot down the out-of-control satellite, a missile will be launched from a Navy cruiser, and the government is warning people to steer clear of a certain area in the Pacific starting at around 10:30 p.m.

The goal: to hit the fuel tank aboard the satellite, keeping the tank – and its toxic fuel – from reentering the earth’s atmosphere.

The satellite has been in a deteriorating orbit that would bring it down to Earth by early next month, it left alone.

Even if it’s hit by a missile, emergency officials are preparing for the possibility that large pieces of the satellite could still hit populated areas, though any debris is expected to land in the Pacific Ocean.

Even the Ocean State – the Atlantic Ocean State – is keeping an eye out. The Rhode Island Emergency management Agency has been briefed on what to do in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.

“While it’s premature to think anything will land here in Rhode Island,” REMA’s deputy director said in a statement, “it is not premature to plan for the possibility.”

But if you’re looking for a sky show, you’ll you don’t have to look to the failed chunks of technology – nature does spectacle quite well. The last total lunar eclipse for nearly ten years begins at about 8:30 p.m.

The moon will fully enter the earth’s shadow at about 10 p.m., where it will stay for 52 minutes. Of course, the weather is not looking good for sky gazing of any type -- exploding satellites or eclipses.

But if you're the optimistic sort, the Margaret M. Jacoby Observatory on the Knight Campus in Warwick will be open for business (to look at the eclipse, not the satellites).

Assistant Professor Brendan Britton of the Physics Department will be on hand to answer questions. Remember to dress warm, because the Observatory in winter, like space, can get very cold.