CALENDAR ITEM: MU’s Laws Observatory to Host Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing

October 23rd, 2014

WHAT: A partial solar eclipse of the sun will occur on Oct. 23, and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at MU will host a viewing at Laws Observatory.

“The partial eclipse will begin at 4:40 p.m. with maximum coverage occurring around 5:45 p.m.,” said Angela Speck, professor of astrophysics and director of astronomy in the College of Arts and Science at MU. “Laws Observatory will be open and running the larger telescope with a solar filter as well as our smaller telescope. In addition, we will have eclipse glasses so that everyone attending can view the eclipse safely.”

It is important that viewers refrain from viewing the eclipse with the naked eye or even regular or polarized sunglasses as damage can occur, Speck said.

WHERE: Laws Observatory, Physics Building, MU Campus

WHEN: 4:40 – 5:45 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014

NOTE: The event is free and open to the public.

Additional resources for the eclipse and safe viewing may be found at:

• http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/jefferson-city?iso=20141023
• http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/eclipse-tips-safety.html

For more information, please contact Angela Speck, speckan@missouri.edu.