Celebrate Summer Solstice Day with safe solar viewing at WNC’s Observatory in Carson City
Celebrate the longest day of the year and start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere with safe solar viewing at the Jack C Davis Observatory on Thursday, June 20.
The observatory will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for this event, with a countdown to the precise solstice at 1:51 p.m.
“We are very pleased that Dr. Thomas Herring and staff can provide an educational experience at Jack C. Davis Observatory on the Summer Solstice,” WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe said. “For anyone who hasn't utilized the observatory and its resources, this would be a great time to visit.”
JCDO Director Dr. Herring will be at the event to answer questions about the Sun, assist attendees with telescope viewing and provide tours of the facility.
“We'll also be watching the shadow of our ‘high-tech’ tennis ball on a stick to fall onto the southern end of our large annalemma at the exact time of the solstice,” Dr. Herring said. “It will likely be hot so attendees should dress appropriately, bring some water and apply sunscreen.
JCDO hosts weekly Star Parties on Saturday nights. The parties are open to the public from sundown to 11 p.m.