An exceptionally rare and spectacular event will be occurring locally on April 8th, 2024, at approximately 3:18 P.M.- a total solar eclipse!  Did you know that there are four different types of solar eclipses?  Do you know how to safely view a solar eclipse? On Wednesday, February 21 at 7:30 PM, NASA Eclipse Ambassador and experienced amateur astronomer, Tom Traub will provide a historical view of solar eclipses and explain how and why eclipses happen and what you can expect to experience.  Tom is Vice President of the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc. (MMMAA), the nonprofit organization that operates the Martz-Kohl Observatory.  Tom is an avid eclipse "chaser" and says, "I saw my first Solar Eclipse on March 7, 1970.  I have seen 4 Total, 1 Hybrid, 3 Annular, and 5 Partial Solar Eclipses.”
 
Tom Traub is a lifelong resident of Warren, PA. Tom began his interest in Astronomy at about age 9 and quickly obtained his own telescope. He built a telescope, including grinding and polishing an 8″ telescope mirror at age 14.  At age 17 Tom constructed a planetarium projector to put on public night sky programs.  After the end of the Apollo space program, Tom shifted gears and became a product design engineer for Betts Industries, retiring after 41 years of service.  Recently, Tom led the Martz-Kohl Observatory’s efforts to automate the Martz 24″ telescope.
 
Tom says, “One of my greatest joys is to bring astronomy alive to the public, especially students.”  Tom has obtained and shared his extensive knowledge throughout his life.  He was a charter member of the Warren County Amateur Astronomy Club, member of the Sir Issac Newton Astronomical Society, and past chairman of the Mid-East Region of the Astronomical League. He taught a night class in astronomy for Jamestown Community College.  He was involved in the American Meteor Society, International Amateur Photoelectric Photometers, International Occultation Timing Association, Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers, and NASA’s Transient Lunar Phenomena Observations.
 
This lecture is live at the Martz-Kohl Observatory and available online via Zoom.   You are encouraged to come to the observatory to meet Tom Traub and join in our always lively Q&A after his talk.  Later, we offer tours and, if the weather cooperates, viewing opportunities through the big telescopes.  Dress appropriately for the weather as if you were outside.  While the classroom is heated, the domes are not.