Memphis Astronomical Society Teamed Up with M.R. Davis Southaven Public Library for Solar Eclipse Education and Night of Observing
Memphis Astronomical Society and M.R. Davis Southaven Public Library had large attendance on Monday evening, July 31, 2017 as 154 people gathered to learn about the hottest astronomical event in America this year, the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse. Memphis Astronomical Society provided an educational experience complete with a night-sky observing session. With the rare upcoming solar eclipse in focus, Jeremy Veldman, VP Programs, talked about the science of a solar eclipse and optimal viewing. Indoor attendees received solar eclipse glasses from M.R. Davis Southaven Public Library.
After the indoor program, attendees joined volunteers Freddy Diaz, Amber Jones, David Jones, Don Farage, Mike O’Rourke, Richard Moore, and Mark Matthews outdoors for a telescope observing session. Due to parking lot light pollution, observing was limited to the brightest objects in the sky. Observers enjoyed a fantastic view the first quarter moon, Jupiter, and Saturn. Additionally, about a dozen people attended only the outdoor telescope observing session.
Thank you everyone who made this event possible for your effort and participation. We look forward to more solar eclipse public education and plan to be in the path of totality on the big day. For more information about the Memphis Astronomical Society and upcoming events and solar eclipse plans, see our website.
