Media Advisory: Talk to an expert about the solar eclipse; visit the York U Solar Fair
TORONTO, Monday, August 14, 2017 – Ask a York University expert about the upcoming solar eclipse now, and watch the event unfold later at York University’s Solar Fair on Monday, Aug. 21, where telescopes will be set up for viewing.
Visitors will also be able to watch the path of the solar eclipse live on the big screen or don a pair of solar glasses made available by through the York University Observatory to safely view the celestial event. About 70 per cent of the Sun’s surface will be covered by the Moon from Toronto.
Let’s Talk Science will also have interactive science demonstrations and an opportunity for people to build their own pin-hole camera to view the celestial event.
“It’s a sight not to be missed,” said Faculty of Science Dean Ray Jayawardhana. “The last time a total eclipse included parts of Canada was the winter of 1979.”
Ray Jayawardhana, astrophysicist and Dean of the Faculty of Science, taking in the total solar eclipse in Turkey
As astronomy expert in the Faculty of Science, Professor Paul Delaney says, “If you miss this one, the next chance to experience something similar in the United States and Canada won’t be until 2024.”
WHAT: York University Solar Fair open to the public
WHEN: Monday, Aug. 21, from 1 to 4pm
WHERE: Lions Stadium, York University. See number 6 on the map.
WHO: York U experts – Ray Jayawardhana, expert in astronomy and astrophysics, and Paul Delaney, expert in astronomy and space exploration.
More information on solar eclipse safety can be found on the NASA website.
To see the path of totality, view the map.
- 30 -
York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni. York U's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.
Media Contacts:
Sandra McLean, York University Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097, sandramc@yorku.ca
