For Immediate Release
December 13, 2001
Contact: John Hammond, Director of Public Relations, 210/733-2147, jhammond@accd.edu
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Partial Solar Eclipse on Friday: SAC Observatory
Available for Viewing
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| WHAT: • A solar eclipse will occur tomorrow when the new moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. The eclipse will be partial for San Antonians watching the sky. • Weather permitting, the observatory adjacent to the Scobee Planetarium will be available, along with other auxiliary telescopes, beginning at 3 p.m. to allow the public to safely observe the spectacle. • This event at San Antonio College is free and open to all ages. WHEN: • Friday, December 14, 2001 — 2:52 p.m. - Eclipse starts as the Moon begins to notch the solar disk. — 4:05 p.m. - Maximum eclipse and best viewing. approximately 26% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon’s dark silhouette. — 5 p.m. - Eclipse ends as the Moon leaves the Sun’s vicinity. WHERE: • San Antonio College, observatory adjacent to the Scobee Planetarium ADVICE: • According to Bob Kelley, planetarium educational specialist, “Any solar eclipse must always be observed with special filters designed to protect both the eyes and the telescope from the Sun’s damaging rays. Viewing the eclipse through sunglasses is not safe.” • Kelley added, “The next solar eclipse visible from our city occurs on June 10, 2002.” CONTACT: For additional information, call Bob Kelley at 733-2910 or 733-2912. |
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1300 San Pedro Ave. • San Antonio, Texas • 78212-4299 • (210) 733-2147 |