ESU Opens Campus to View Solar Eclipse

On Monday, August 21, 2017, North Americans will be able to view an eclipse of the sun and East Stroudsburg University will host a public viewing of this natural phenomenon for the community-at-large between 1:30 and 3 p.m.

“While we are not in the path of totality, we will see 72% coverage here in Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Jerry Ross, Ph.D., associate professor of physics at ESU. Dr. Ross along with his students will be on hand to welcome people to campus and explain the solar eclipse.

The event will take place on the front lawn of the Warren E. ’55 and Sandra Hoeffner Science and Technology Center on Normal Street between 1:30 – 3 p.m. Maximum eclipse for the Pocono Mountains region is expected at 2:43 p.m. Two land telescopes will be set up – one will act as a projector and produce an image of the actual eclipse on a white board while the other will have a special solar filter that will make it safe for people to view.

“While it is safe to look through the telescope, you shouldn’t look directly at the solar eclipse without protection,” said Ross. “People may bring glasses with them to the ESU event as another method of participating in the event although they are not necessary,” adds Ross.

Whether joining individuals at ESU or in your own backyard, Ross would like the general public to know that NASA has provided information about solar eclipse safety and reputable vendors of Solar Filters and Viewers.  Detailed information is available on NASA’s Total Eclipse website, https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/.

Viewing the solar eclipse is weather dependent. Rain and/or significant cloud coverage can prevent visibility. In the event of cancellation at ESU, a notice will be posted on the University’s website (esu.edu) as well as ESU’s Facebook (facebook.com/eaststroudsburguniversity) and Twitter pages (@ESUniversity) by noon on the day of the event.

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