Published Monday, February 26th, 2024
Dr. Todd Young is offering a talk on eclipses to groups and organizations. A total solar eclipse will be visible April 8, 2024.
With a total solar eclipse occurring Monday, April 8, Dr. Todd Young, professor of physics and astronomy and planetarium director at Wayne State College, is offering talks in advance to educate various groups on the science of solar eclipses and how to safely view a solar eclipse.
The total solar eclipse will pass through the eastern half of the United States. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon is closer to Earth and completely blocks the sun.
Situated in the middle of the United States, the Siouxland region will have the advantage of enjoying the eclipse. In his talk, Young will discuss various mythologies associated with solar eclipses (such as the imagery of a dragon eating the sun), the astronomy behind solar eclipses, when the eclipse can be enjoyed in the Siouxland region, and how to safely view the solar eclipse.
This talk can be adapted for any audience, and proper glasses to safely observe the eclipse will be available for purchase. They are $2 for one pair or $5 for three pairs. Never look at the sun without using proper solar glasses.
Those interested in having Young present this talk to a group or organization should contact him directly at [email protected] or 402-375-7471.
About Dr. Todd Young
Dr. Todd Young is a professor of physics and astronomy at Wayne State College. He is also the director of the Fred G. Dale Planetarium and the coordinator of the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP).
Young's research and teaching interests include RR Lyrae variable stars, globular clusters outside the disk of our galaxy, and astronomy education in a planetarium. He received the George Rebensdorf Teaching Excellence Award in 2008 and the Nebraska Academy of Science's highest award, the Friend of Science Award, in 2017.
Young has taught at Wayne State for 25 years.