Program Description
Event Details
A total solar eclipse is coming to the United States on Monday, April 8! Join us in the Scott Room to get ready with a fascinating and accessible presentation about the science behind solar eclipses – including what causes them and what scientists can learn from studying them. Dr. Laurel Robinson will talk about past solar eclipses, how to best and safely view the upcoming eclipse, and everything you need to know about the curious celestial mechanics that make eclipses possible. There will be time for questions and answers after Dr. Robinson's presentation. All audiences and levels of familiarity with astronomy are welcome.
The Westchester area may not be in the path of totality (although places in upstate New York will be positioned to get a full view in the afternoon of April 8), but we will get a view of a partial eclipse. Make sure to plan a visit upstate or elsewhere along the path of totality if you want to experience the full effect! Check out NASA's breakdown of the path of the 2024 Great American Eclipse.
Pairs of solar viewing glasses will be distributed to participants at the end of the program. Please make sure to register if you would like to receive a pair.
Please Note: Looking directly at the sun without special eye protection is dangerous and may cause permanent eye damage. Never attempt to directly view the sun, even during an eclipse when visible brightness is reduced. Take note of any special instructions accompanying your solar viewing safety glasses and do not attempt to use them if they are damaged or punctured. Regular sunglasses and other conventional lens are not sufficient protection when viewing an eclipse; only filters that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard for solar eclipse eye safety should be used.
About the presenter
Laurel Robinson, Ph.D., is a professor of physical sciences at SUNY Westchester Community College, teaching courses in earth science, astronomy, and solar system exploration. She received a bachelors of science from Cornell University in earth and atmospheric sciences and a doctorate from Harvard University in earth and planetary sciences. Dr. Robinson's thesis work focused on impact cratering on Mars and on the moons of the outer solar system. She has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching while on the faculty of WCC.