PFW helps community prep for eclipse day experiences

Though they have no control whatsoever over the amount of cloud cover northeast Indiana will have around 3:10 p.m. on April 8, one can only imagine how antsy local meteorologist are getting looking at their own extended forecasts. But if all goes to plan – and these plans have been evolving and reported on for months – the near-total solar eclipse in these parts should be something to see.

One of the most contacted sources for eclipse day information has been Purdue University Fort Wayne, which has its own event scheduled on the Science Mall between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Read more about that in the News Center.

Among other things, faculty and students from PFW’s College of Science and its College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science will be providing, while supplies last, more than 2,000 free pairs of specialized glasses to anyone who wants to stop by the heart of campus to catch all the action.

Before the main event, weather permitting, PFW’s ETCS outreach team will be launching a specialized weather balloon at approximately 2:15 p.m. As it rises into the stratosphere, small sensors will collect data to record atmospheric changes such as temperature and altitude. It will also carry a camera.  

To help newsrooms help the region prepare for this rare occurrence, folks like Eugenio Ursino, an assistant professor of physics, Ryan Farber, a visiting assistant professor of physics, and Katy Henry, director of engagement for ETCS, have taken time to share their knowledge and PFW’s plans.

Click on the links below to read and view some of that coverage.

What to expect outside the totality of a solar eclipse | WBOI | April 2

There goes the sun: Eclipse offers unique chance for celestial observations | The Journal Gazette (subscription required) | March 30

Take a moment to revel in once-in-a-lifetime event | The Journal Gazette (subscription required) | March 30

Purdue University Fort Wayne professor teaches children about upcoming eclipse | The Journal Gazette (subscription required) | March 30

FOX 55 10 p.m. newscast | March 27

FOX 55 6 p.m. newscast | March 27

FOX 55 5 p.m. newscast | March 27

21Alive 5 p.m. newscast | March 22