Solar Eclipse | Department of Physics and Astronomy

Eclipse Viewing: The Eclipse at KU - A Community Event

11:30-1:30 Monday, August 21 at Shenk Sports Complex (South of Park and Ride Lot 301)

On August 21, 2017, Lawrence, Kansas, will be in the path of a solar eclipse. It’s estimated that 99.3% of the sun will be blocked. Join the KU Department of Physics and Astronomy and the KU Natural History Museum at the Shenk Sports Complex to view the eclipse and learn more about this solar phenomenon when it peaks at about 1:07 pm. Free eclipse glasses will be provided.* The family-friendly, drop-in event includes science and art activities with the Spencer Museum of Art, the KU Natural History Museum, and the Lawrence Public Library. And, of course, telescope viewing with astronomers.

At that venue, various ways to safely view the sun before, during and after the deepest part of the eclipse will be available to visitors, including safety glasses and specially designed telescopes. It is important to know that even with the sun covered more than 99%, it is NOT safe to look directly at the sun without specially designed equipment or appropriate safety glasses. The eclipse glasses we are able to provide have been provided by the American Astronomical Society and Google, the University of Kansas and the Department of Physics & Astronomy for your safe use.

The following food trucks will be selling their wares, as the viewing event will take place during lunchtime:
Ad Astra Food Truck
Kona Ice
Torched Goodness

What to bring:
Blanket or lawn chair
Sunscreen and a hat
Cash for the food trucks
Water
A sense of wonder

*Remember, it’s never safe to look at the sun, even with regular sunglasses. To safely view the eclipse, you will need special eclipse glasses.

If you aren't joining us at Shenk, where can you get Eclipse Glasses on KU's Campus on Monday, August 21?
Here is the complete list of venues. Distribution is 8:30-10:30 a.m. or until they are gone!

Capitol Federal Hall
DeBruce Center/KU Info
Eaton Hall/LEEP2
Green Hall
Joseph R. Pearson Hall
KU Dining (distribution begins at breakfast and will go until all glasses are gone)
KU Parking
Natural History Museum
Nunemaker Hall
Pharmacy Building
Stauffer-Flint Hall
Student Affairs Welcome/Info Tables in front of Wescoe Hall and Strong Hall
SUA Info Booth at Kansas Union
Kansas Athletics

Concern regarding Counterfeit Eclipse Glasses

In recent days, there has been concern over counterfeit glasses being available through various outlets. The American Astronomical Society has issued a statement regarding this problem.
You should only be able to see the sun through proper eclipse glasses. If you can see anything other than the sun, or there is a tear or scratch on the lens, or the lens is coming apart from the paper frame, throw the glasses away. They will not protect your eyes properly during the eclipse.

Astronomy Events in Our Area and Eclipse Resources

The Eclipse Celebration Event with Central Standard Live!

Thursday, August 17 - 6:30 p.m.
Pilgrim Chapel - Kansas City, Missouri
Hosted by KCUR's Gina Kaufmann
Sun stories and exlporations from historians, artists, and scientists, including Prof. Greg Rudnick
Event is Sold Out, but KCUR is keeping a wait list.

The Great American Eclipse of 2017 - Panel Presentation

Sunday, August 20 - 4:30 p.m.
Lawrence Public Library - Auditorium
Library Staff (TBD) and Prof. Bruce Twarog
Join KU Physics and Astronomy professors and LPL for a timely discussion about the science and significance of this year’s big solar eclipse.

Additional Information About the Eclipse

For authoritative eclipse times for various locations: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/Eclipse2017.php
How to make a pinhole projector: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera /
3-D print your own US- or state-shaped pinhole projector: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/3d-printable-pinhole-projectors
Viewing the eclipse with kids (from The Planetary Society): http://www.planetary.org/blogs/emily-lakdawalla/2017/sharing-an-eclipse-with-kids.html

Live streams of eclipse:

News Pieces/Interviews/Public Talks:

Other Reputable/Useful Sites:

Thanks and Appreciation to our Partners:

Eclipse Glasses for USD 497 (Lawrence Public Schools)

KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
KU School of Engineering
KU Natural History Museum

The Eclipse at KU: A Community Event

KU Natural History Museum
KU Office of Event Management and Protocol
KU Office of Public Safety
American Astronomical Society

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