You’re Invited! View the Solar Eclipse at the Van Vleck Observatory, Aug. 21

The campus and local community is invited to witness the partial eclipse of the Sun at Wesleyan’s Van Vleck Observatory on Aug. 21. While Middletown isn’t in the narrow path of totality, viewers should still be able to see about 65 percent of the Sun disappear. Telescopes for the family-friendly event will be set up at 1 p.m., and the eclipse will begin at approximately 1:20 p.m., with mid-eclipse falling at approximately 2:40 p.m. The event is hosted by Wesleyan’s Astronomy Department and is free of charge.

• For detailed information about the availability of parking and eclipse glasses for the event, please click here.

Below, watch Seth Redfield, associate professor of astronomy and chair of the Astronomy Department, explain why the event is being called the “Great American Solar Eclipse,” and learn how to make a pinhole projector for safe viewing.

In addition to telescopes and a limited number of eclipse glasses for safe viewing, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the 101-year-old observatory’s historical exhibition, see images from the 1925 solar eclipse that passed directly over Wesleyan and learn about Wesleyan’s expedition to New Hampshire for the 1932 eclipse.