PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (April 3, 2024) – Prairie View A&M University’s Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts & Sciences will host a viewing of the rare celestial event in the form of a total solar eclipse on April 8.
With the celestial stage set, the PVAMU campus may find itself just outside the path of totality. However, a deep partial eclipse (at 96%) promises a mesmerizing spectacle nonetheless.
What to Expect
As the clock strikes 12:19:32 p.m. local time, the celestial dance begins with the onset of the partial eclipse. Slowly but surely, the moon begins its journey across the face of the sun, gradually casting its shadow over the campus grounds.
By 1:39:38 p.m., the eclipse reaches its peak, with an awe-inspiring 96% of the sun’s disk veiled by the moon. At this moment, the sky transforms into a surreal canvas, with the sun reduced to a mere sliver, casting an ethereal glow over “The Hill.”
As the afternoon progresses, the moon’s passage ends, saying so long to the sun. By 3:00:36 p.m., the partial eclipse ends, leaving behind a sense of wonder and anticipation for the next celestial spectacle.
Safety Tips
As the moon slides between the sun and Earth, casting its shadow across our region, you’ll want to prepare not only for the spectacle itself but also for ensuring a safe and enjoyable viewing experience.
Here are some important tips on what to do and avoid during this celestial event to make the most of this rare occasion.
- Eye Protection: Protect your eyes at all times. Purchase certified eclipse glasses or use indirect observation methods like a pinhole viewer.
- Direct Viewing: Even though PVAMU is not in the path of totality, only look at the eclipse using eclipse glasses or a pinhole viewer.
- No Unprotected Viewing: Do not look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection. Viewing through a camera lens or telescope without a solar filter can cause severe eye injury.
- Use Safe Viewing Tools: Always use safe solar viewing glasses that are compliant with the ISO 12312-1 international standard. Regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing the sun during an eclipse.
- Avoid Optical Devices: Do not use optical devices like cameras or binoculars while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer, as they can cause serious eye injury.
- Indirect Viewing: If you don’t have eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, use indirect viewing methods like a pinhole projector. Create a pinhole projector with a small opening to project an image of the sun onto a nearby surface. This method is safe and does not involve looking directly at the sun.
- Plan Ahead: Schedule errands and appointments two to three days before the eclipse to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Fuel Up: Ensure your vehicles are fueled up, as gas stations may be busier than usual.
- Stock Up: Buy and stock up on groceries and essentials to avoid unnecessary trips during the eclipse.
- Know Local Hours: Be aware of local business and service hours as they might close early due to the eclipse.
- Communication: Have multiple forms of communication available and know the closest landline in case of cellular network congestion.
- Weather Check: Stay informed about the weather forecast to plan viewing accordingly.
For more detailed safety information, visit the NASA Solar Eclipse Safety page or the AgriLife Today safety sheet.
Where to Watch
The PVAMU Solar Observatory, located next to the Carden-Waller Cooperative Extension Building on E.N. Norris Street, will host an unforgettable observation party!
Event Details:
- When: The event will kick off at noon and continue until 3 p.m., providing ample opportunity for everyone to experience the eclipse.
- What’s Included: The observatory will offer free eclipse glasses and refreshments to all attendees (while supplies last). Additionally, four telescopes equipped with safe solar filters will be available for close-up views of the eclipse.
- Safe Viewing: For those who prefer a larger view, the observatory will have a projected image, as well as a video set up where the eclipsed sun will be safely displayed on a monitor.
- Engaging Experience: Dedicated faculty and students will be on hand to answer questions, provide informative lectures, and ensure a memorable experience for all visitors.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the wonders of the universe in a safe and welcoming environment. If you miss this one, you’ll have to wait till 2045 for the next solar eclipse.
About the Prairie View Observatory Complex
The PVAMU Observatory Complex is the result of the restoration of PVAMU’s Solar Observatory building in 2017 and the construction of a new Observatory building in 2019 with two identical piers. The only other observatory with two identical piers is located at the space imaging satellite facilities operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. These efforts were made possible through funding from NASA, the former RaISE Chancellor’s Research Initiative, the Department of Education, and Texas Permanent University Funds.
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