We are planning some exciting events in the planetarium and on the roof of Smith Lab for the partial solar eclipse on Thursday, October 23.
No reservations needed! Please just show up!
Solar Eclipse Observing
The partial eclipse begins at 5:45 PM and continues past sunset, so maximum coverage will be as the Sun hits the horizon at around 6:30 PM. We invite everyone to start showing up on the roof of Smith Lab on the OSU Campus starting at 4:30 PM, weather permitting for solar observing and the beginning of the partial eclipse.
We will be on the roof with eclipse glasses (suggested donation $2 a pair) and three solar telescopes with filters to get a look at the black circle of the Moon starting to cross the Sun's face.
Rain or shine, we will also have 20 minute planetarium shows, all about eclipses, starting every 30 minutes from 4:30 - 6:00 PM.
Astronomy Roof Night
If it is clear, we will then start a star party at sundown, looking at Mars (and Saturn, if we hurry) + constellations + star clusters and other deep sky objects until about 9:00 PM Please note that the Moon will not be available for viewing at night, as it is busy covering the Sun.
If it is cloudy, then we will follow the eclipse planetarium shows with shows featuring what the sky looks like tonight (without the clouds), from 6:00 - 7:00 PM.
For more information and weather updates, please come to this page and scroll to Weather Updates.
Weather Updates
The weather looks like it is cooperating and the event is currently scheduled as planned.
