On Saturday, a celestial display will be seen in North Texas. The sun will experience an annular eclipse that will begin at 10:25 a.m. and last for roughly three hours.
“It is an emotional experience I can’t quite explain, Director of Carnegie Observatories Dr. John Mulchaey said. “Once you’ve seen one, many people will spend their entire lives chasing them.”
A view party will be held at the Perot Museum, with STEM activities for kids and science educators on hand to assist guests.
“This is something that is personal,” Silver said. “A personal experience, as opposed to seeing something on YouTube or even interacting with an exhibit here at the museum, is so very different.”
For the yearly eclipse viewing, Perot collaborated with Carnegie Observatories. Mulchaey will be on the Perot Plaza with thousands of other individuals to watch the eclipse.
“This is kind of a preview, of course, of what we’re going to see in April,” Mulchaey said.
A rare total eclipse will be observed from North Texas in April 2024.
“That is exceptionally unique. That does not happen on other planets, so we’re kind of lucky in fact to be at this special time and place where we get these total eclipses,” Mulchaey said. “During totality when the moon covers the surface of the sun we get to see the extended atmosphere of the sun. It’s the only time we can ever see it from Earth and it’s beautiful and spectacular!”
Always wear protective glasses when viewing an eclipse, whether it be annular or total. Sunglasses are insufficient.
“The ultraviolet radiation from the sun is what can damage your eye. In fact, it can burn your eye and cause permanent damage,” Mulchaey warned. “We really need people to be careful and make sure they use the right sort of equipment to look at the sun.”
For the eclipse-watching party on Saturday, the Perot Museum will open at 8:30 a.m. Visitors can borrow glasses from the museum. Prior purchase of tickets is necessary.
