Shining While The Sun Didn’t
Villanova University's Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science enhances experience of eclipse watchers on campus and beyond
An eclipse watcher views the early moments of the celestial event through the telescope in Villanova's observatory
VILLANOVA, Pa. (April 8, 2024) - It was all hands on deck – the observatory deck, that is – during Monday’s solar eclipse as members of Villanova University’s Department of Astrphysics and Planetary Sciences teamed up to offer unique looks, perspectives, information and media to the Villanova community and eclipse-watchers throughout the country.
On campus, thousand of Villanova students, faculty and staff flooded Mendel Field, Mendel Plaza and the fourth-floor observatory to catch a glimpse of the celestial event through eclipse glasses offered by the department, or with one of their several high-powered telescopes specially fitted with solar lenses. Department Chair and Professor Edward Fitzpatrick, PhD, Associate Professor Frank Maloney, PhD, Instructor Laurence DeWarf and Adjunct Professor Edward Devinney, PhD, operated the equipment alongside students in the astronomy and planetary science major, imparting their knowledge to viewers while tracking the moon’s path. Senior Administrative Assistant Kathy DeMara covered the staffing logistics of all three viewing areas, after fielding and responding to hundreds of RSVPs and inquiries in the days prior.
The moment of totality, as captured by Professor Andrej Prsa in Ohio's Mount Gilead State Park
A few miles away in Center City, Assistant Professor Scott Engle, PhD, joined FOX 29 anchors Shiba Rusell and Jason Martinez live on set for a two-hour eclipse special. During the show, he described the various phenomena those in the path of totality – and locally – were seeing, hearing and feeling before, during and after the moon passed in front of the sun, courtesy of live cut-ins from reporters stationed across the country.
Despite the widespread cloud cover along the eclipse’s path, those who opted to travel to totality found themselves in clear skies, less by luck and more by sheer will. Professor Ed Guinan, PhD was chasing his eighth solar eclipse, and switched to his second back-up plan of Missouri last minute to make sure he didn’t miss it. Professor Andrej Prsa, PhD, and Assistant Professor Kelly Hambleton, PhD, journeyed to Cleveland, then chased the good weather to Mount Gilead State Park, where their equipment and expertise were welcome among other traveling spectators. All three returned with stunning photos and videos of what would be the last total solar eclipse to pass through the lower 48 states until 2045.
Whether it was on campus helping the Villanova community connect with science and enjoy the rare event, sharing knowledge over the airwaves or dipping into their artistic side with breathtaking images, it was truly the department’s time to shine. And they sure did, especially when the sun didn’t.
Eclipse-related Media Engagement
- Edward Guinan, PhD, Professor: CNN and KYW Newsradio
- Scott Engle, PhD, Assistant Professor: FOX 29
- Frank Maloney, PhD, Associate Professor: New Scientist
- Frank Maloney, PhD, and Larry DeWarf, MS: CBS 3
- Andrej Prsa, PhD, Professor: CBS 3 (photo)
- Villanova Eclipse Viewing Event on 6 ABC