CONCORD UNIVERSITY OBSERVATORY TO HOST SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING

CONTACT:  Nicole Smith, Public Relations Manager
Concord University Office of Advancement
PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712
(304) 384-6312
nlsmith@concord.edu
www.concord.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2024

CONCORD UNIVERSITY OBSERVATORY TO HOST SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING

ATHENS, WV – The Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences of Concord University is hosting a solar eclipse viewing on Monday, April 8 from 2:30-4:00 PM at the CU observatory. The event is open to the public. Concord has two telescopes with solar filter installed, which will be available to view the eclipse. Astronomy students will also be present to discuss the solar eclipse and answer any questions.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon covers part or all of the sun, passing between the sun and the earth. During an eclipse, the light from the sun will be significantly dimmer, as the moon casts a shadow on Earth that blocks the sun’s light in some areas. In Athens, the moon will cover 90% of the sun at 3:13 PM.

The next total solar eclipse will not occur in the United States until 2044.

-CU-

Persons with disabilities should contact Nancy Ellison, 1-304-384-6086 or 1-800-344-6679 extension 6086, if special assistance is required for access to an event scheduled by the University on campus.
Concord University may take pictures at these events for publicity purposes.

A photo of the Concord University Observatory under a dark, starry sky