University Communications and Marketing

Contacts:

Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, 406-657-2031

University Relations, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES

For the first time in 38 years, a total solar eclipse will be visible within a band across the entire United States. Here in Billings the eclipse will be around 95% and we want to invite you to campus to (safely) check it out. A science department faculty member and student will be available to answer questions during the event! You can view the eclipse anywhere in Billings, but why not come up to campus and learn all about it from experts.

A special solar telescope will be set up for an opportunity to look directly at the sun and observe features such as sunspots, prominences, granulation of the sun’s surface before, during, and after the eclipse.

The progression of the moon blocking the sun as it passes in front of it during the eclipse will also be viewable through the solar telescope. 

Since viewing the sun through the telescope can be done only one person at a time, MSU Billings has a limited number of special solar viewing glasses available, so you can  safely look directly at the sun before and during the eclipse. Billings is not in the path of totality, it is not safe to look directly at the sun except through the glasses or our telescope.

Refreshments will be served and the MSUB Library will provide space themed treats.

We hope you will join us for this exciting opportunity …the next chance to view an eclipse in the United States will be in April of 2024, so don’t miss this one!