As part of their “The Sky’s the Limit” summer series, the Champaign Public Library will be welcoming Astronomer Phil Plait. He’s a head writer for Bill Nye Saves the World, and will be sharing his eclipse expertise with the community. Here is the press release with details:
Astronomer and Science Blogger Visits Champaign Library
An Evening with Phil Plait, aka The Bad AstronomerChampaign, IL – June 29, 2017: Astronomer, science blogger, and head science writer of Bill Nye Saves the World, Phil Plait will discuss the upcoming total solar eclipse in his talk, “When the Moon Eats the Sun: The Total Solar Eclipse of 2017,” at the Champaign Public Library on Tuesday, July 11, at 7 p.m.
On August 21, 2017, there will be magic in the sky: a total solar eclipse, the first one visible in the United States since 1979! These rare and amazing events are among the most beautiful of all astronomical phenomena, and their impact on humanity has a rich and fascinating history. Yet they are also saddled with many misconceptions and fears — Can you go blind watching one? Do they emit harmful radiation? Astronomer and author Phil Plait provides the truth about eclipses in a humorous and engaging way, featuring the latest scientific photographs, and will show you how you too can watch this spectacular display of cosmic synchronicity.
Phil Plait wrote and hosted the YouTube series Crash Course Astronomy, is the head science writer of Bill Nye Saves the World on Netflix, and has appeared as a talking head on numerous Discovery Channel programs. He writes the Bad Astronomy blog where he covers the entire universe: real science, astronomy, space exploration, and the politics of science.
The Champaign library is hosting a summer series and all-ages reading club called “The Sky’s the Limit,” including Eclipse Magic, a solar eclipse viewing party on August 21, from 12 to 2 p.m. with safety glasses, live music, and more. For a chance to win a telescope or name a star, sign up for The Sky’s the Limit Summer Reading Club at bit.ly/cpl-reading-club. Summer activities also include a NASA Space Exhibit on view throughout the library August 11.
Part of the “Great Authors at the Library” series, this event is made possible with support from the Library Friends.
Great Authors at the Library: Fall author visits include Anthony Marra (Sep. 22), 2017 Caldecott Medal winner Javaka Steptoe (Sep. 24), and novelist Jamie Ford (Nov. 16).
Links:
Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/183345346358593
Find Phil Plait books at the library:
http://bit.ly/cpl-phil-plait