KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 15, 2017

Where to watch at KSU, what to know

Like millions of Americans, Kennesaw State Owls will be turning their gaze toward the heavens on Monday, Aug. 21 to witness the first solar eclipse to be viewed in the contiguous United States in 38 years. From the University’s two campuses, viewers will be able to see a nearly 98 percent full solar eclipse during the mid-afternoon.

Where to view the eclipse at KSU

Kennesaw State physics professors will be on hand during live viewings at two campus locations:

• Kennesaw Campus – Campus Green between 1-3 p.m. with Kevin Stokes, chair of the Department of Physics, overseeing the viewing site;
• Marietta Campus – By the globe in front of the Joe Mack Wilson Student Center, with David Joffe, associate professor of physics, from 1-3 p.m.

A limited supply of viewing glasses will be available at both live viewing locations.

A live-streamed viewing on the Owl View digital wall in Sturgis Library, first floor, will also available from 11:30 - 3:30 p.m.

What to know

The physics department’s Joffe points out a few facts about the eclipse: 

• The KSU campuses will experience a partial solar eclipse, where 97.4 percent of the sun will be covered by the moon.
• The eclipse will begin a few minutes after 1 p.m. and last until about 4 p.m.
• The darkest point will be around 2:36 p.m.
• This is the first solar eclipse to pass over the U.S. from coast to coast in several hundred years.The eclipse will begin in Lincoln Park, Ore., and end near Charleston, S.C. 
• Even if it’s cloudy, it will be much darker and more like twilight.
• The temperature will drop and birds will fly to their nests to sleep.
• The natural squinting reflex may not work, so viewers should avoid looking directly at the eclipse to avoid eye damage.
• Find more detailed information about safe viewing and the science of eclipse at the Department of Physics’ Solar Eclipse 2017 website. Also, find links to taking the best photos and other information at NASA’s official solar eclipse website.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.