Triton College Cernan Center's BIG EVENT to Preview Great American Solar Eclipse of 2017
River Grove, Ill. - Triton College's Cernan Earth and Space Center is helping people gear up for "The Great American Total Eclipse of 2017" this summer, by hosting one of the nation's leading solar eclipse experts for a special presentation on April 22.
Retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak is the featured speaker at the Cernan Center's annual BIG EVENT on April 22. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Triton's Robert Collins Center (R Building), located on the east side of campus, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove.
On Aug. 21, 2017, a total eclipse of the sun will cross the contiguous United States for the first time since 1918. Mr. Espenak will explain how and why solar eclipses occur focusing on this unique event with maps, photos and weather prospects along the eclipse path. Attendees will find out what it's like to stand in the moon's shadow and witness one of nature's greatest spectacles.
The 45-minute presentation will be followed by a Q&A session and book signing.
The Cernan Earth and Space Center features a recently upgraded 44 foot diameter fulldome planetarium and provides entertaining and educational programs on astronomy, space exploration and other sciences as well as history, culture, music and more.
The lobby includes an exhibit area featuring a 1/15 scale model space shuttle, Apollo astronaut Captain Gene Cernan's Apollo 10 spacesuit and Apollo 17 artifacts, an Illinois fossil collection and more. The Star Store Gift Shop features an assortment of unique gifts such as T-shirts, jewelry, puzzles, books and more for science enthusiasts, nature lovers or yourself.
The Cernan Center's annual BIG EVENT has featured world-class speakers for more than three decades including astronauts, astronomers, historians, paleontologists and weather experts.
For more information or to purchase tickets for THE BIG EVENT, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372, or stop by the Cernan Center.