Alex Tarica / Courtesy photo
Have you ever seen a solar eclipse before? If you answered no, then this Monday is your big chance to see at least a partial part to help you take baby steps towards the day when you can see a full part.
For the second year in a row, Aspen Science Center (ASC) invites you to participate in a free partial eclipse viewing party from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 8, at the Third Street Center in Carbondale, next to the Bread Oven. Maximum coverage is estimated at around 12:30 PM. Carbondale Community School, grades K-2, with about 45 students, will also join the viewing event Monday.
This year, Carbondale was lucky enough to be in the path of April's partial eclipse. While viewing the eclipse, ASC invites the community to learn from staff educators as they provide valuable information to accompany the celestial event. As one of the only nonprofits in the Valley focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, ASC President David Hale said starting regular eclipse viewing parties seemed somewhat mandatory.
“It's always helpful to have some explanation and understanding the science or magic of the moment is also crucial,” he said. “And I think that magic increases a little bit when you share it with other people. So, we just wanted to create a safe, fun viewing environment for families to join together, and have a collective community experience at the same time.”
He said that although the eclipse will be 60%, it still promises to be a spectacle for sore eyes. But to make sure you don't suffer from sore eyes, he stresses the importance of safety. Eclipse viewing glasses will be available as last supplies at the event as well as the Basalt Library.
In addition to the sunglasses, Hill said the event will include a number of displays and activities, such as building an eclipse projector, a small pinhole camera device that allows for another safe method of viewing.
Alex Tarika, ASC's director of education, said she was especially excited about people's engagement with Monday's viewing party because events like this only come around once in a blue moon.
“We were lucky to have another eclipse over the past year, but the next solar eclipse in the United States will not happen until 2044,” Tariq said. “This is relatively rare; it can be a very spiritual experience for people.
ASC is dedicated to the mission of enhancing public understanding of science through discovery, exploration, and lifelong education. They serve children, families and adults. residents and visitors; With programs and events from Aspen to Parachute. ASC also provides bilingual, comprehensive and accessible STEM experiences throughout the Valley.
ASC also offers science interests for adults, such as working alongside the Aspen Music Festival to bring “musicology” during the summer months. For the second year, ASC will host a “Hometown Science Cafe” series next May at El Dorado in Carbondale featuring local experts. ASC is currently planning a second “Peak Performance Science” with Aspen Valley Hospital.
To contact Johnson Kuhn, email him at [email protected].
