Contact Us

Institutional Communications
Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window) Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)


UW Solar Eclipse Expert to Visit Lander May 1

complete solar eclipse with corona of light around dark disc of moon
This is a photo of a total solar eclipse as observed from Africa by Tim Slater, Wyoming Excellence in Higher Education Endowed Chair in Science Education at the University of Wyoming. (Tim Slater Photo)

How far would you travel to see a total eclipse of the sun?

Tim Slater, the Wyoming Excellence in Higher Education Endowed Chair in Science Education at the University of Wyoming, has traveled into deeply rural Africa to catch a glimpse of the disappearing sun. In May, he’ll travel across Wyoming to visit schools, public libraries and community centers to build awareness, generate excitement and help children, parents, teachers and community leaders to prepare for the upcoming total eclipse of the sun.

Slater is scheduled to speak about the nature of eclipses in the Lander area, including a talk from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 1, at the Central Wyoming College Lander Center. His trip is sponsored by the UW College of Education, the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium and local entities.

In his lectures, he describes how to safely observe the Aug. 21 eclipse of the sun and uses scientific digital visualization simulations to explain why scientists from all over the world are coming to Wyoming to observe this once-in-a-lifetime event. His talk will be followed by a presentation by Suki Smaglik, coordinator of the Wind River Eclipse Education Team, who will describe the coordinated citizen science effort that is planned to occur during the eclipse -- including solar telescopes, radio astronomy, high-altitude balloon launches and live web streams through NASA. Those attending the event receive free eclipse-viewing glasses. Slater also will visit local schools. 

man with a clear sphere in front of him on a table
Tim Slater, Wyoming Excellence in Higher Education Endowed Chair in Science Education at the University of Wyoming, will speak about the nature of eclipses in the Lander area Monday, May 1. (UW Photo)

Visible from much of Wyoming and known as the Great North American Solar Eclipse, this rarely visible sky event occurs midday Aug. 21.

“For several hours, the moon will slowly cover and uncover the sun, causing skies to darken dramatically. In the middle of the event -- for just about two minutes -- the moon will completely block the sun, if you are standing in the right part of Wyoming,” says Slater, an internationally recognized expert on the teaching of astronomy.

Eclipses of the sun by the moon occur about twice each year. However, eclipses can only be observed from narrowly specific locations on Earth. The next grand total solar eclipse near Wyoming is actually in Denver, and does not occur until the year 2045. On the other hand, less dramatic lunar eclipses -- where the Earth blocks the sun’s light from reaching the moon -- are visible from many locations on Earth.

This August, scientists and sky-watching enthusiasts from all over the world will make Wyoming their destination, resulting in full hotels, busy restaurants and overburdened highways across the state. However, as Slater points out, “It might be difficult and time consuming for families to make their way to a prime viewing location, but it is totally worth the effort to briefly stand within the dark moon’s shadow once in your life.”

For more information, call Slater at (307) 314-9831 or email tslater@uwyo.edu.

 

 

Contact Us

Institutional Communications
Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window) Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)