This August communities across the United States will witness a total solar eclipsefor the first time almost 100 years. This event is both a visual spectacle for sky watchers and a significant scientific event.
Researchers can use solar telescopes to study the outer layer of the sun that is harder to see when the sun is not eclipsed, and solar astronomers will get new insight into space weather patterns. Host Frank Stasio talks about the science of the sun with astronomer Rachel Smith. Smith heads the Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. She is also a professor of physics and astronomy at Appalachian State University.
Smith will participate in the museum’s International SUN-day event this Sunday, June 18 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.