Eclipse discussion offered
LINCOLN – For the first time in almost a century, a total solar eclipse will be visible across a wide path of the United States. Locations in fourteen states will be able to witness this beautiful natural phenomenon. Here in the Rhode Island region we will be able to observe the Sun partially covered by the Moon. Why do they occur? Can they be safely observed? When will one happen here again?
On Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m., the Blackstone Valley Historical Society will host astronomer Francine Jackson, who will discuss this incredible coincidence of Sun and Moon, which occurs nowhere else in our solar system. She will be showing you ways of safely observing it, including giving those attending eclipse glasses.
Francine Jackson, a board member of the Historical Society, is a NASA Solar System Ambassador. She is affiliated with Brown University’s Ladd Observatory, and the University of Rhode Island Planetarium. She is also a member of Skyscrapers, Inc., Rhode Island’s Amateur Astronomical Society.
North Gate Toll House, located at 1873 Old Louisquisset Pike (Route 246), Lincoln, is the headquarters of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society, which is dedicated to the history and antiquities of the communities of Pawtucket, Central Falls, Lincoln, Cumberland, North Smithfield and Woonsocket.