Aspen Science Center hosts solar eclipse viewing party

Have you ever seen a solar eclipse? If you answered no, this Monday is your big chance to see at least a partial one, and on the day you can see the full one. It will help you take small steps towards.

Aspen Science Center for the second year in a row (ASC) invites you to attend a free partial solar eclipse viewing party on Monday, April 8th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Third Street Center in Carbondale, next to the Bread Oven. I invite you. Maximum coverage is estimated to be around 12:30 p.m. About 45 students from Kindergarten to his second grade at Carbondale Community Schools will also participate in Monday’s viewing event.

This year, Carbondale was lucky enough to be in the path of April’s partial solar eclipse. ASC invites the community to watch the eclipse and learn from staff educators who will provide valuable information accompanying the celestial event. As one of the only nonprofit organizations in the Valley focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, ASC President David Heil said it is somewhat obligatory to start regularly hosting eclipse viewing parties. He said he felt it was the right thing to do.

“It’s always important to interpret and understand the science and the magic of the moment to some extent,” he said. “And I think that magic increases just a little bit more when you share it with others. So we’re creating a safe viewing environment, an environment where families can participate and have fun together, and a group community. I wanted to create an environment where people could experience it all at the same time.”

He said even with a 60% chance of an eclipse, it would be quite a sight for people with sore eyes. However, he emphasized the importance of safety to avoid eye damage. Eclipse viewing glasses will be available at the event venue, as well as at the Basalt Library, while supplies last.

In addition to sunglasses, Heil said the event will feature many demonstrations and activities, including building an eclipse projector, a pinhole camera device that allows for another safe viewing method. .

ASC Education Manager Alex Tarica said he was especially looking forward to people attending Monday’s viewing party because events like this only happen once on a sunny day.

“Fortunately, we’ve had another solar eclipse within the past year, but the next solar eclipse in the United States won’t occur until 2044,” Tarika said. “These are relatively rare. It can be a very spiritual experience for people.”

ASC is dedicated to the mission of advancing the public’s understanding of science through a lifetime of discovery, exploration, and education. We serve children, families, and adults. residents and visitors. We host programs and events from Aspen to Parachutes. ASC also provides an accessible and comprehensive bilingual STEM experience throughout the Valley.

ASC also offers science interests for adults, including working with the Aspen Music Festival to offer “Science of Music” during the summer. For the second year, ASC will host a “Hometown Science Café” series featuring local experts this May at El Dorado in Carbondale. ASC is currently planning its second “Best Performance Science” with Aspen Valley Hospital.

To contact Jonson Kuhn, email jkuhn@aspentimes.com.