UW astronomy expert brings eclipse lessons – Gillette News Record

A University of Wyoming professor and the endowed chair of physics will bring his experience with solar eclipses to Gillette on May 16 to prepare local residents for the Great North American Solar Eclipse in August.

Gillette and much of Wyoming is in the path of the total solar eclipse Aug. 21 that will be the first to hit the contiguous United States in 38 years, and the first one to cover so much of the U.S. since 1918.

As a result, many people from across the world are traveling to the state where the view will range from 97 percent total in Gillette to 99 percent in Casper.

Tim Slater will bring an interactive presentation to Gillette on how to safely watch a solar eclipse and use computer simulations to explain why scientists from all over the world are coming to Wyoming to observe the once-in-a-lifetime event. Hell speak about the nature of eclipses and also hand out free eclipse-viewing glasses.

Of his six presentations planned in Gillette, four are open to the public free of charge.

Hell present his 30-minute lecture to astronomy classes at Campbell County High School at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. May 16 at the North Campus.

Then hell give two more programs, open to the public, at the Campbell County Public Library at 4 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

That will be followed by two programs, also open to the public, at 7 and 7:45 p.m. in the planetarium at Sage Valley Junior High. Those interested in attending the planetarium classes still have to reserve a seat online, but the program is free. Visit supersaas.com/schedule/CCSD/Planetarium to reserve a seat, email planet@ccsd.k12.wy.us or call 307-682-4307 to leave a message.

Paul Zeleski, director of the planetarium, said Slater contacted him about offering programs in Gillette because Slater is also one of his science instructors. Slater has offered the same program in other areas of the state, including Lander and Star Valley.

Hes a smart guy, Zeleski said. Hes energetic and extremely knowledgeable.

Slater joined the UW College of Education faculty in 2008-09 as the first recipient of the Wyoming Excellence in Higher Education Endowed Chair in Science Education. He was an associate professor of astronomy at the University of Arizona at the time, where he founded the internationally recognized Conceptual Astronomy and Physics Education Research Team.

Throughout May, hes traveling across Wyoming to visit schools, public libraries and community centers to build awareness, generate excitement and help children, parents, teachers and community leaders prepare for the total eclipse of the sun.

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UW astronomy expert brings eclipse lessons - Gillette News Record