Tune into Marion’s WMRN-1490 AM radio station this morning to hear Perkins Observatory’s Don Stevens discuss the upcoming solar eclipse. Stevens will speak with reporter Jeff Ruth starting at 8:15 a.m. today.
On Aug. 21, starting at about 1:04 p.m., Central Ohio will experience a partial solar eclipse as the moon passes in front of the sun. By 1:10 p.m., observers using safe viewing methods will see a tiny bite missing from the solar disk. By 2:30 p.m., the region will experience maximum eclipse, when more than 80 percent of the sun’s disk will be blocked. After 2:30 p.m., the moon will expose larger and larger parts of the sun until 3:52 p.m., when the eclipse is completed.
The safest method for observing the eclipse is with eclipse glasses, Stevens says. To help ensure local skywatchers are ready for next week’s event, Perkins Observatory has teamed up with area Half Price Books stores to sell eclipse glasses. The glasses come with a brochure that includes eclipse times and safe, alternative methods for observing the phenomenon. Profits from the glasses will be used to make repairs to the observatory and to enhance its public activities.
Source: University Communications.
Contact: Perkins Observatory at perkins@owu.edu.