TOTALITY! Chasing the Shadow

On April 8, 2024, millions of people across the United States will see one of nature's most wondrous spectacles — a total eclipse of the Sun. Planetarium Manager Mike Murray will provide a rich visual program about the event, what causes eclipses, where to see totality and how to view the sun safely. Unlike the solar eclipse of 2017, the path of totality in 2024 will come closer to Michigan.  Moving along a narrow strip from Texas to Ohio to Maine, the Moon will completely block the Sun and cast a shadow so viewers can experience the twilight-like atmosphere of totality and see the Sun’s pearly white outer layer called the Corona.  It will have been just seven years since the last total solar eclipse took place in North America, but the next solar eclipse to cross the nation won’t come until 2045. Informational handouts will be available.

Bio

Mike Murray is the Astronomer and Planetarium Manager for the Delta College Planetarium in Bay City.  He has over 40 years of experience in the planetarium and informal science education field, producing and directing programs for museums, science centers, the National Parks and NASA.  Mike is an avid amateur astronomer with his own home-made 16-inch telescope which he uses for hands-on learning, education, public outreach and astronomical societies.  He also lectures on topics in astronomy and space exploration for astronomical societies, museums, STEM festivals, career days, libraries and civic organizations.