An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s apparent disk is just smaller than the Sun’s disk and the Sun appears as a brilliant ring. This spectacular sight can only be safely observed with approved solar filters or by projecting an image of the eclipsed Sun onto a flat white surface.  AT NO TIME CAN YOU SAFELY OBSERVE THE SUN WITHOUT USING EYE PROTECTION!!!

Observers in Northeast Kansas can observe this event beginning at 5 p.m on May 20th.  The moon will slowly cover the sun starting from the lower right of the sun.  Kansans should be able to see approximately 80-percent of the sun covered.  No telescope is necessary to observe this event.

To safely view the solar eclipse, it is recommended you have a pair of solar glasses, available through Banner Creek Science Center and area businesses.  Solar glasses will block out 99.8-percent of the visible sun.  They are completely safe to use and will last for several years for other solar events.  You can purchase a pair of solar glasses at Denison State Bank branches downtown and on Highway 75, Fast Trax, and the Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce office.  Cost is $2.00 at these locations, and $4.00 of you would like them shipped to your address.  To order glasses online visit Banner Creek Science Center website at www.bcsscience.org. 

 This will be the first of three remarkable astronomical events of 2012, followed by the Transit of Venus on June 5, 2012 and a total solar eclipse on November 13, 2012.  More information will be forthcoming on the Transit of Venus!

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For more information contact Mike Ford 364-2641