The first total solar eclipse across the U.S. in nearly a century will fall across a 70 mile wide swath of Nebraska on August 21st. To mark the occasion, Creighton university physics professor Dr. Jack Gabel will host a presentation about what's being called the Great American Solar Eclipse on Monday.
Dr. Gabel will talk about what to expect with the eclipse, why total solar eclipses are so rare and spectacular to see, good places to view the eclipse in its totality and what the view will be line in and around Omaha. He will also discuss safe viewing, photography tips.
Dr. Gabel says, Omaha is not in the path of totality but it will still be an exciting to event to take a look at. He says, "In Omaha what you will witness is over a couple of hours, the moon will gradually pass in front of the sun covering more and more of it starting around 11:30 a.m. As time goes on more and more of the sun will be blocked by the moon and at the maximum eclipse there will be only about 10% of the sun visible. Since Omaha is not in the path of totality you will need to wear the eclipse glasses the entire time you are looking at it."
Dr. Gabel says if you are in the path of totality the eclipse is like twilight. The lightness of the sky will be like an hour after the sun has set. You will be able to see stars in the sky. He says you will be able to see the "ghostly light, streamers, called the corona". You can only see that corona during the time of the total eclipse while in totality.
The lecture will start at 7:30 on Monday, August 7th in the Rigge Science Building Lecture Hall, Room 120. The Department of Physics will also hand out special glasses for viewing while supplies last. There is no charge to attend the event.