Four Reasons Why the Eclipse is Even More Awesome Than You Think

SCIENCE It is important for scientists to help increase science literacy using “teachable moments.” Here, meteorologist Dr. Marshall Shepherd debunks four misconceptions about today’s solar eclipse. (Forbes) It’s not too late to build a solar eclipse viewer! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The first misconception Dr. Shepherd writes about is the configuration of the … Continue reading Four Reasons Why the Eclipse is Even More Awesome Than You Think

This Week in Geographic History: Solar Eclipse

Check out our Pinterest board for more related resources! We’re slowing down for the summer! Instead of our usual roundup of “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events, here’s a closer look at one historic event that connects to something in the news today. We’ve also matched it with a map or visual, background information, and additional resources. Friday, August 11 TDIGH: Most Widely Viewed … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History: Solar Eclipse

Getting Ready for the Eclipse

By Jay Pasachoff A solar eclipse is a wonderful thing to see, and as an astronomer, I am trying to do my part to spread the word and teach kids how to observe it safely. On August 21, the Moon will block the Sun as seen from North America and down through mid-South America. The path of totality, during which the everyday Sun is entirely … Continue reading Getting Ready for the Eclipse

See the Solar Eclipse

SCIENCE Lucky skywatchers in Southeast Asia get a rare front-row seat to a total eclipse, and Pacific islanders will see a still-dazzling partial eclipse. But the rest of the world doesn’t have to miss out: You can watch it live online, right here. (Nat Geo News) In the South Pacific? Use our resources to build a solar eclipse viewer! Teachers, scroll down for a quick … Continue reading See the Solar Eclipse

Educate about the Transit of Venus

If I were to take a guess, 99% of the general population did not know what a “Transit of Venus” was until yesterday evening, when its occurrence was announced on the evening news.  Astronomers, however, have been looking forward to this event for decades, if not centuries.

 

A “transit of Venus” occurs when our sister planet crosses directly in front of the sun, and revels to us a little black spot on the latter’s surface.  Contrary to the reports of various news sources, the last transit of Venus occurred in June 2004, less than a decade ago.  The next, however, will not take place again until December 2117.  That being said, if you missed the transit in ’04, this is probably your last chance to catch it.

Continue reading “Educate about the Transit of Venus”