EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Once interpreted as harbingers of doom by ancient people, eclipses are now widely sought after astronomical events – a fascinating and widely anticipated phenomenon, to be featured when Eastern Michigan University’s Department of Physics & Astronomy presents a fun-filled night about eclipses, on Friday, June 23, 2017.

The EMU Planetarium in the Science Complex will show the Bay’s Mountain production of “Totality: Explore the Wonder of Eclipses” at 7:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Visitors will learn the science behind eclipses of all types, with special attention to the upcoming first total solar eclipse to pass over the continental United States in nearly 40 years, which will happen August 21.

The show will include “Seasonal Stargazing,” your guide to the summer night sky, “Totality” and simulation of the August 21, 2017 eclipse from Ypsilanti. An EMU astronomer will be on hand to provide eclipse viewing glasses and safety tips for wherever you plan to view the celestial wonder.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about the eclipse, where and when to view it and how to safely view it,” says Tom Kasper, EMU’s Planetarium Coordinator. “We want to get the word out to the public that the sun is no different on eclipse day, so please do not look at it without some form of eye protection.”

As the eclipse will not be total in Michigan, special eclipse safety shades will be available for purchase before and after all planetarium shows for $2. When viewing an eclipse that is not total, special precaution must be taken to protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful energy.

Planetarium shows are $5 per ticket, and tickets are available through the EMU Box Office, online at emutix.com, by phone at 734-487-2282 or at the door prior to show time (cash only).

The EMU Planetarium is a 37-seat facility with a 28 foot-diameter domed ceiling. The facility resides in a spherical classroom suspended four stories above the ground in the atrium area of the Science Complex. There is parking off Oakwood Street, in the western end of campus.

For more information, please visit the Planetarium website.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.