astronomy

Physics Students’ Trip to Totality

admin — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 19:48:41 +0000

Physics Students’ Trip to Totality admin Thu, 04/04/2024 - 15:48

A total solar eclipse is a time of scientific discovery, confirming Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity in 1919, but the astronomical phenomenon can also be a time of personal discovery, just as it was for Dragomir Davidovic.

An associate professor in the School of Physics whose expertise lies outside of astronomy, Davidovic didn't initially understand the hype surrounding the 2017 eclipse. However, he was instantly captivated as the moon passed between the sun and the Earth to reveal the star's corona.

"When I saw my first eclipse, I was surprised by its power. Nature changed around us; the birds became quiet, and all of the animals near the farm were getting ready to go to sleep. It was eerie in a way, and it's a once-in-a-lifetime event that needs to be seen," he said.

Unlike 2017, Georgia will not be in the path of totality for the eclipse occurring on Monday, April 8, so Davidovic and Edwin Greco, associate chair for student success, are leading a trip for 55 School of Physics students, primarily graduate students, to experience totality at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Illinois following an overnight stay in Nashville, Tennessee.

While the eclipse can be viewed in an urban environment, such as Atlanta, where coverage will reach 85%, Davidovic wanted to give students the opportunity to feel the eclipse's full effect on nature as he experienced it seven years ago.

"A rural setting allows you to have this true connection with nature, and it evokes this feeling of almost being a prehistoric human," he said.

In addition to the reaction of animals, Jim Sowell, director of the Georgia Tech Observatory, explains that as the eclipse reaches its peak, temperatures will drop, and planets may become visible in the darkened sky. To view the eclipse, the group will be bringing safety glasses and a telescope with the appropriate lens for direct sunlight viewing.

The idea for the trip came from a spontaneous conversation between Davidovic and School Chair Feryal Özel in August, and initially, Davidovic wondered if enough students would share his enthusiasm for such an adventure.

"My biggest worry was that we wouldn't get enough students to sign up, but as it turned out, I was totally wrong," he said. "It goes to show there is a broad interest in this natural phenomenon. You don't have to be an astronomer; we have people signed up across many different fields,” he said.

Among those immediately interested in joining the excursion was Nadia Qutob, a graduating physics major with an emphasis in astrophysics and a member of the Georgia Tech Astronomy Club.

"Everyone in the world at some point in their lives looks up at the sky and wonders what is up there. Space has an incredible ability to unite us in our shared curiosity. It is deeply inspirational to me that so many people, especially young people, are excited about the eclipse. I hope it will lead to more interest in space research in the future," she said.

Student interest in the eclipse is evident, with another trip being led by the Astronomy Club, which will be heading to the Ozarks to witness the event.

Following Monday’s total solar eclipse, the continental U.S. will not see another of its kind until 2044. In the meantime, Davidovic's hobby has also influenced his academic work. He is now conducting research into the effects of merging black holes on quantum computers and continues to study additional astrophysical theories.

Subtitle

Sparked by a professor’s interest, 55 students from the School of Physics will travel to Illinois to enter the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse.

Summary sentence

Sparked by a professor’s interest, 55 students from the School of Physics will travel to Illinois to enter the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse.

Summary

Sparked by a professor’s interest, 55 students from the School of Physics will travel to Illinois to enter the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse.

Dateline

Thu, 04/04/2024 - 12:00

Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu

Contact

Steven Gagliano - Institute Communications

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Georgia Tech Astronomy Club

total solar eclipse

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Total Solar Eclipse Brings History Within Sight

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:58:41 +0000

Total Solar Eclipse Brings History Within Sight admin Tue, 04/02/2024 - 13:58

On Monday, April 8, North America will experience the astronomical phenomenon known as a total solar eclipse when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth.

The path of totality will shadow portions of Mexico before it passes over 15 U.S. states and parts of Canada. While Atlanta does not fall directly in the path as it did in 2017, nearly 85% of the sun will be blocked, giving the Georgia Tech community a chance to participate in the historic event.

"Quite frankly, there's not much difference between 85% and 95%. You can still witness the eclipse, and seeing that the sun is a crescent is a sight you'll never forget," said Jim Sowell, a principal academic professional in the School of Physics and the director of the Georgia Tech Observatory.

Safety First

Although a portion of the sun will be blocked, looking directly into the sun remains harmful to the eye. Sowell offers several tips to protect yourself.

Safety glasses: Traditional sunglasses do not provide protection for extended solar viewings. Eclipse-safe glasses will be labeled 'ISO 12312-2,' indicating that they have been certified by the International Organization for Standardization. Because the eclipse will last for two hours, glasses can be shared throughout the event.

Pinhole camera: Using a cardboard box, such as a shoebox, Sowell recommends creating a homemade pinhole camera (See image at the bottom of the page), which projects the sun inside the box's walls.

Sowell noted that a colander, or the sun shining through tree leaves, can also be used to project the sun's image onto the ground.

Telescope: Telescopes are a great way to view the eclipse as long as an ISO 12312-2 filter is placed on the lens. A cellphone camera is not a replacement for a filtered lens, as the sun's rays can damage your device.

Where to Watch

Weather permitting, viewers will be able to see the eclipse in an urban or rural environment.

Sun seekers in the city should avoid tall buildings and other obstructions to allow for the best view. In Atlanta, the eclipse is expected to be visible starting at 1:45 p.m., with peak coverage at 3:04 p.m. It will end at 4:21 p.m.

Sowell says that a rural setting is ideal for witnessing the true power of an eclipse, especially within the path of totality.

"Birds may begin to recognize that it's getting darker and start to roost. Cattle may start to low, and you'll notice a temperature drop because of the cool air trapped in the shadow as it moves across the Earth. And if you're in totality, you might see some planets and some bright stars that come out due to the dark sky," said Sowell, who will be traveling to Dallas, Texas, for the eclipse.

Witnessing History

Total solar eclipses typically occur every one to three years, but Sowell noted that the continental U.S. will not see another until 2044. A professional astronomer for 40 years, Sowell is preparing to see his second total eclipse and hopes this event will inspire others to look at the sky (safely) with the same curiosity he does.

"I hope others view the eclipse and understand that there is astronomy that can be done with just the naked eye, and then there is so much more. If we can get people interested with just the sun and the moon, they'll realize they can go to the edge of the universe," he said.

He adds that, unlike other widely popular events, everyone taking part in the eclipse is a winner.

"Unless you're clouded out, this is better than the Super Bowl because half the people are upset about the result, whereas for this kind of eclipse, if you see it, you're excited and will remember it for the rest of your life."

Sowell also urges viewers to be patient if the weather isn't ideal.

"Just because it's cloudy in the morning or 10 minutes before the event, don't punt," he said. "You need to ride it out. And you might get lucky. Even if it's only during the second half that it clears up, it'll still be just as memorable."

Two groups of students will be traveling to experience totality, including 55 graduate and undergraduate students from the School of Physics, led by Associate Professor Dragomir Davidovic, and another trip led by the Georgia Tech Astronomy Club.

Subtitle

While outside of the path of totality, the Georgia Tech community can still take part in the historic April total solar eclipse.

Summary sentence

While outside of the path of totality, the Georgia Tech community can still take part in the historic April total solar eclipse.

Summary

While outside of the path of totality, the Georgia Tech community can still take part in the historic April total solar eclipse.

Dateline

Tue, 04/02/2024 - 12:00

Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu

Contact

Steven Gagliano - Institute Communications

Associated importer

Keywords

total solar eclipse

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Public Nights Return to the Georgia Tech Observatory

bwaye3 — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:08:51 +0000

Public Nights Return to the Georgia Tech Observatory bwaye3 Mon, 03/07/2022 - 10:08

Stargazers are invited to the Georgia Tech Observatory for public nights this semester. The next event is Thursday, March 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. on the grounds between the Howey and Mason Buildings. Several telescopes will be set up for viewing, or you may bring your own telescope.

Jim Sowell, principal academic professional and director of the Georgia Tech Observatory, is excited that public nights have returned after a break during the pandemic. “I describe my role these days as a tour guide, and I greatly enjoy hearing the squeals and gasps as people see craters on the moon, or the rings of Saturn, or moons orbiting Jupiter,” he said. “A clear evening with some celestial objects visible is as much a delight for me as it is for the visitors.”

Sowell and members of the Georgia Tech Astronomy Club will be available to answer questions. The viewing targets for March 10 are the moon and Orion Nebula. Successful viewing depends on clear weather, so visitors should check for updates on the astronomy website. The event is free but remember to pay for parking if you use a visitor lot.

Two more public nights will be held this spring, on April 7 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and on May 5 from 9 to 11 p.m.

Summary sentence

The next public night is March 10.

Summary

The next public night is March 10.

Dateline

Mon, 03/07/2022 - 12:00

Contact

Victor Rogers

Institute Communications

Location

Atlanta, GA

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Physics Students’ Trip to Totality

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