In this informal, family friendly talk, John Gianforte (Director of the UNH Observatory) will discuss the upcoming solar eclipse and explain why we have solar eclipses and the conditions that make solar eclipses possible.  He will also discuss how to safely observe solar eclipses and how you can make simple equipment that will allow you and your family to safely view the Sun, whether or not there is an eclipse taking place. He will also cover what you can expect to see from wherever you are in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont during the eclipse.

This is an in-person event. If you'd prefer to watch virtually from home, please sign up to receive a link to the live stream here: https://w.ringcentral.com/register/3d3346f1/cbb7bd41/index.html

John Gianforte is the Director of the University of New Hampshire Observatory, Astronomer, and Extension Associate Professor/Space Science Education, State Specialist/4-H Education and Youth Development. His main astronomical research interests include the observation and analysis of transits of exoplanets, and the characterization of exoplanetary systems. John teaches Astronomy and Physics courses for the Physics and Astronomy Department at UNH in Durham and has taught Astronomy-related courses for the USNH System since 2002. He also writes about astronomy on his web site: www.theskyguy.org and for local newspapers.  John also has “appeared” on New Hampshire Public Radio’s (NHPR) Exchange live, morning talk show with Host, Laura Knoy as well as on New Hampshire PBS Television’s (formerly NHPTV) NH Outlook, NH Skies, and Windows To The Wild, and more recently on WMUR's NH Chronicles. John is the Co-founder of the Astronomical Society of Northern New England (ASNNE), which he helped form in 1983.  You can find John at the UNH Observatory for the twice-monthly public observing sessions held on the first and third Saturday nights each month.  Over the last twelve years John has been the Chair of the New England Fall Astronomy Festival (NEFAF) Organizing Committee at the University of New Hampshire.