MARIETTA, OH (August 15, 2017)–Next week, during the nationwide phenomenon of the total solar eclipse, Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) will open its campus to allow the public to experience the historic event on the college’s new, state-of-the-art 14-foot LED screen.
Monday’s event will be the first total eclipse since 1776 that will only be visible in its totality in the continental US. The momentous occasion also marks the first eclipse since 1918 to cross the US from coast to coast. This solar event, in either total or partial phase, will be visible to more than 500 million people in North and South America, Europe, and Africa. Here in the Mid-Ohio Valley, while we will not be able to see a total eclipse, we will see 86% of the eclipse.
“This historic event will be a wonderful opportunity to view one of nature’s most stunning displays,” said Dr. Dean Hirschi, WSCO Physics Professor. Throughout the event, he will be available to offer insight on best and safest viewing opportunities.
Hirschi explained that first contact, which is the initial phase of the eclipse, will begin at approximately 1 pm, with final contact, or the conclusion of the eclipse, at approximately 4 pm, pointing that the height of the eclipse for the Mid-Ohio Valley area will be at approximately 2:30 pm.
Campus eclipse events will begin at 1 pm and spectators will have several viewing options. They can watch from the lawn just outside of The Commons, the College’s student union/cafeteria area. This will be contingent on favorable weather conditions. For the outside eclipse watchers, the College will have NASA approved eclipse viewing glasses available to the first 100 watchers.
For viewers who wish to experience the spectacle on screen, Dr. Hirschi will project the local eclipse from a telescope onto a monitor in The Commons. Commons spectators will also be able to view the total eclipse by watching the NASA Television broadcast. This will be aired on the institution’s newly installed 14-foot television screen.
For more than 45 years, Washington State College of Ohio has fueled the community’s future through education. We work to make a positive impact by providing opportunities for growth. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or an adult student looking to enrich your life, we cultivate pathways to guide you toward future growth. Be inspired. Be WSCO. For more information about Washington State College of Ohio, visit www.wscc.edu or call 740.374.8716.
