Bowie State University is set to host a Solar Eclipse Watch Party on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Bulldog Stadium from 2 – 4 p.m. The event aims to bring the campus community and the broader public together to observe the near total solar eclipse. The university’s partners at NASA have generously donated 3000 pairs of eclipse glasses for attendees.
The eclipse, where the moon passes between the earth and the sun, blocking all or part of the sun’s light, is a rare celestial event. Total, partial, and annular eclipses describe how completely the moon covers the Sun. The upcoming eclipse is not projected to occur with similar magnitude until 2079.
According to eclipse forecasts, the peak totality, the time during which the moon passes between the earth and sun, is expected to occur around 3:20 p.m. Prior to the watch party, NASA engineers, Dr. Kenneth F. Harris II and Mrs. Chidilim Okonkwo, will deliver a presentation about the solar eclipse phenomenon and the importance of prioritizing exploration, scientific inquiry, and innovation in the Student Center at 1pm, inviting students, faculty, and staff to attend.
Dr. Dawit Hailu, a physics professor in the natural sciences department at Bowie State University, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, highlighting its potential to spark interest and wonder about science and the world around us.
For those planning to view the eclipse, safety is paramount. NASA advises against looking directly at the sun during the event, except for the few minutes when the moon passes in front of it, or the totality event. Eclipse viewers must use eclipse glasses when watching the partial phases of the eclipse before and after the totality event. It is also crucial not to attempt to watch the eclipse using a camera or telescope unless a specialized eclipse filter is attached to the lens, as the sun can cause severe eye injury.
The event is open to the public and free to attend, offering a unique opportunity to witness this rare celestial occurrence. With the generous donation of eclipse glasses and the insightful presentation by NASA engineers, the Solar Eclipse Watch Party at Bowie State University promises to be an educational and awe-inspiring experience for all attendees.
