Astronomer to discuss eclipse at UAPB
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Chemistry & Physics will host a presentation by a solar astronomer who will discuss the upcoming eclipse.
Samaiyah I. Farid, Ph.D, project scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research High Altitude Observatory at Boulder, Colo., will speak at 2 p.m. March 7 in the S.A. Haley Auditorium at the S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex at UAPB.
Farid will discuss “Chasing Darkness: Observing the Rare Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024.”
The community is invited to attend, according to Miah M. Adel, Ph.D. UAPB professor of Physics, Astronomy, Water Resources, & Environmental Sciences.
“Total solar eclipses provide a rare opportunity to glimpse the solar atmosphere directly from Earth,” according to a news release. “Unfortunately, such events are infrequent and only last a few minutes. Fortunately, North America is set to experience a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. In this presentation, she discusses what we expect to observe during the eclipse and the valuable insights we can gain from these observations.”
Farid will also explore opportunities for students, faculty, and individuals outside academia to actively participate in solar physics research. She will also experiment with eclipse observing tools such as sunspotters and eclipse glasses.
“This type of eclipse occurs once in decades,” Adel said in the release. “It is a golden opportunity for the UAPB family members to fulfill their inquisitiveness on the issue. It is anticipated that faculty will accompany the students to the lecture. Staff members, too, are welcome to attend the lecture. Dr. Farid’s speech will be highly educational. Eclipse observing glasses will be given away at the assembly.”
Farid’s research focuses on understanding the thermal and magnetic evolution of coronal eruptions using ground and space-based observations and 3D models.
The scientist received her PhD from Vanderbilt University in 2020. She received her bachelor and master’s degrees from Alabama A&M University.