CLSTHAP004 - Total Solar Eclipses and the Sun’s Corona

The moon shuts off the beams of the sun as it passes across it, and darkens so much of the earth as the breadth of the blue-eyed moon amounts to. —Empedocles (Greek, ca. 493–433 BC) fragment (ca. 450 BC)

The fascination to study, observe and track total solar eclipses dates back as early as 2137 BC. Every century, there are 65 solar eclipses worldwide. The next solar eclipse will be especially dramatic on April 8, 2024. We will have a front-row seat to utter darkness when the moon blocks the sun from Earth, what experts are calling the “Great American Eclipse.” Join Rice University faculty from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s vice president of astronomy to gain a better understanding of the solar atmosphere, the science behind solar eclipses, space weather, and how to prepare for and safely view a total solar eclipse. Whether you are an avid astronomer or just curious about the upcoming spectacular solar event, all are welcome. Don’t miss your opportunity this spring—the next total solar eclipse will not be visible in the continental U.S. until 2045.

COURSE SCHEDULE 
Feb. 29. The Dynamic Solar Atmosphere. Stephen Bradshaw, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy, Rice University
March 7. The Eclipse Experience. Patricia Reiff, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy, Rice University, and associate director for outreach programs, Rice Space Institute, and Carolyn Sumners, Ed.D., vice president of astronomy, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and adjunct professor of physics and astronomy, Rice University
March 14. The 2024 Great American Solar Eclipse. Patrick Hartigan, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy, Rice University
March 21. Space Weather and the Sun’s Influence on Earth. Stephen Bradshaw, Ph.D.
March 28. Viewing an Eclipse. Patricia Reiff, Ph.D., and Carolyn Sumners, Ed.D.

All class participants will receive eclipse maps, glasses and special eclipse-viewing cards!

Course Details