The University of New Mexico Department of Physics and Astronomy and the UNM Observatory hosted a viewing party on Monday morning to celebrate the first solar eclipse in almost 40 years. The event was hosted by Associate Professor and Observatory Director Ylva Pihlström with help from UNM Astronomy students. The department had eclipse glasses available, asking for a one-dollar donation in exchange. Televisions featured NASA’s coverage from the path of totality, and the school’s main telescope offered a closer look at the eclipse. Students and professors alike were on hand to answer any questions that observers had about this rare event, providing an opportunity to learn more about the science behind the shadows.
Cameron Goeldner is a reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at photo@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Goeldfinger.
