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Join the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center on the afternoon of Thursday, October 23, to view the partial solar eclipse.
The Fleet will have educators and staff members available to answer questions and demonstrate safe viewing techniques. *** Resident astronomer, Dr. Lisa Will, is available for media interviews in advance or during the eclipse.
On Thursday, October 23, at approximately 2:15 p.m., the path of the moon will begin to intersect the light from the sun and a partial solar eclipse will become visible in the San Diego sky. The eclipse will peak at approximately 3:33 p.m. and end at 4:42 p.m. Less than 50% of the Sun will be covered from our viewpoint in San Diego, but the quality of light outside should be noticeably different.
During the eclipse, Fleet educators and staff will be in the plaza directly in front of the Science Center to answer questions and demonstrate how to create a pinhole viewer to safely view the eclipse. Eclipse Shades viewing glasses will also be available at the North Star Science Store.
Special equipment is needed to observe the eclipse. IT IS NOT SAFE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN DURING A PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE! Looking directly at the eclipse can cause permanent eye damage.
The news media and the public are welcome to join us to safely observe this unique celestial event.
Fleet resident astronomer, Dr. Lisa Will, will be in attendance for media interviews. She can answer questions about the science behind the eclipse and the safest ways to observe the phenomenon. Dr. Will can also be available for on-site and in-studio media opportunities to discuss the eclipse in the morning prior to the event, on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 22 and 23.
The Fleet is a popular congregating spot for observing astronomical events such as eclipses. News media are sure to find many people looking at the eclipse through pinhole viewers, Eclipse Shade viewing glasses and perhaps even telescopes and projection screens. The Fleet will also have a School in the Park class in session observing the eclipse with their instructor.
This will be the most prominent solar eclipse visible in San Diego until August 2017. The last visble solar eclipse for San Diego was in May 2012.
To schedule an interview or media appearance, please contact Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Public Relations Manager Nathan Young at 619-685-5743 or nyoung@rhfleet.org.
WHEN: Thursday, October 23, from 2:15 p.m. to 4:42 p.m.
WHERE: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado in Balboa Park
www.rhfleet.org
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MORE INFO:
More info on how to safely observe the eclipse:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/how-to-watch-a-partial-solar-eclipse-safely/
More info about the eclipse:
VIDEO: http://earthsky.org/space/video-solar-eclipse-on-october-23