Rams ready for historic solar eclipse

 Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) will host two solar eclipse viewings to give the university community an opportunity to safely view the eclipse, answer questions and talk to experts about the historic event.

Sky watchers across the United States are anxiously awaiting a total solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, the first day of classes. Scheduled classes will be held during the eclipse. Faculty have been asked to incorporate eclipse related materials and activities in classes to mark the event.

During this rare celestial event, the moon will pass between the sun and the Earth, appearing to block the sun for almost an hour and a half. This will mark the first time in 99 years that a total eclipse has passed across the United States, from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

At WSSU, the eclipse will be visible starting about 1:12 p.m., reaching its maximum coverage at 2:41 p.m., and ending about 4:03 p.m. At its peak, about 95 percent of the sun will be covered. Please be advised to never look directly at the sun without a special-purpose safe solar filter, such as eclipse glasses, hand-held solar viewers or pinhole projectors.

More safe viewing tips are available on NASA’s website.

These free viewing events are planned.

Clocktower Viewing

Join the WSSU O’Kelly Library and the Forsyth Astronomical Society for an eclipse viewing between the clock tower and S.G. Atkins statue, from 1-4 p.m.

Several telescopes will be accessible to view the eclipse. During the event, air temperatures will be recorded every 15 minutes for scientists to examine. Experts will be available to answer questions about the historic event. Special eclipse viewing glasses will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contacts: Janet Malliett, malliettjm@wssu.edu, or 336-750-8867, and Dr. Roy Doron, doronrs@wssu.edu, 336-750-8812

Center for Design and Innovation Viewing

Join WSSU’s Office of Science Initiatives, the Center for Design Innovation (CDI), the Department of Biological Science and other STEM departments for an eclipse viewing from 1-3 p.m. at CDI. Those attending will have the opportunity to view the NASA live stream broadcast in the CDI 3D cinematic visualization cube. Eclipse viewing glasses also will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There will be a continuous shuttle from noon- 4 p.m. from the WSSU campus to CDI, with pick-up/drop-off stops at W.B. Atkinson Science Building and the C.G. O’Kelly Library.

Contact: Stephanie Dance-Barnes, dancest@wssu.edu, or 336-750-3237