by Greg St. Martin
Not in the path of totality? Not (a total) problem.
On Monday the U.S. will see its first total solar eclipse since 1979 and the first to sweep the country in 99 years. With the eclipse expected to reach about 60 percent in Boston—still pretty awesome—the Department of Physics will host a viewing event on Centennial Common from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The peak is expected at 2:46 p.m.
For safety purposes, viewers are urged not to look directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., about 100 eclipse vision cards will be distributed at the event for viewers to use and share. Additionally, a limited number of eclipse glasses will be distributed first-come-first-serve at the Snell Library info desk beginning at noon.
“There’s been so much curiosity about the solar eclipse,” said Nancy Wong, program coordinator in the Department of Physics, who helped organized the event. “We wanted to recognize it’s happening and share this phenomenon with others.”
Physics major Marko Lazarevic, S’18, who also helped organize the event, noted the viewing party is a great way to experience the event for those who either couldn’t travel to the path of totality or didn’t know they could still see a partial eclipse in this part of the country. He added: “It’s also a way to bring together students like myself who are interested in astronomy.”
Northeastern faculty members in the physics department will also be on hand at the event to offer commentary on the eclipse and answer questions. For even more information, check out our interview with professor Peter Bex, an expert in vision science, on dos and don’ts for viewing the eclipse.
If there is inclement weather, the viewing event will move to 114 Dana Research Center, where attendees will be able to watch NASA’s live stream of the eclipse.
Originally published in news@Northeastern on August 21, 2017.
