Solar Eclipse Party May 20th--This Sunday!
Join fellow Club members and astronomy enthusiasts. Viewing event at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge near Willows.
Club member Koling Chang is hosting a Solar Eclipse Party on Sunday, May 20th, at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge south of Willows (1.5 hours north of Sacramento/Davis). The May 20th event is an annular eclipse, which means that the moon is at or near its apogee (farthest from the earth), and its shadow is not big enough to block the sun completely. Therefore, a halo or ring of sunlight appears around the moon's shadow. The eclipse begins at 5:13 p.m. and ends at 7:38 p.m. The moon will appear entirely "within" the sun near 6:30 p.m. This is an ideal chance to observe "Baily's Beads," glints or beads of sunlight created by the irregular topography of the moon. Bring your kids, a picnic, (and mosquito repellent). Koling will supply the expertise, telescopes, and filters. Click here to see Koling's detailed event schedule with links to maps and informational websites. If you have questions, and to RSVP, contact Koling Chang at koling@kchang.net.