See the Total Solar Eclipse 

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Make Your Total Solar Eclipse Experience Safe and Stress Free

Solar eclipseOn Monday, August 21, all of North America will be treated to a solar eclipse. According to NASA, the last time the contiguous United States saw a total solar eclipse was in 1979. In keeping with our mission of promoting public engagement with science, Sigma Xi invites you to travel by bus with us from Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, to Charleston, South Carolina, to view the eclipse.

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, thereby totally or blocking all direct sunlight and turning day into darkness. Totality occurs in a narrow path across Earth's surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over a surrounding region thousands of kilometers wide.

Who Will be Able to View the Eclipse?

Everyone in North America will be able to see at least a partial solar eclipse; however 14 states will be able to view the eclipse in its totality. 

How Long is the Eclipse?

Over the course of 100 minutes, 14 states across the United States will experience over two minutes of darkness in the middle of the day. The eclipse will occur in Charleston at 2:48 p.m. EDT.

How Can I Ride With Sigma Xi to View the Eclipse?

Travel by bus with the Society from Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, to Charleston, South Carolina. Sign up here to reserve a seat on the bus and accommodations at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Suites Charleston Airport.

The last day to sign up is July 26.

Rates are as follows:

  • One-Person Package: $250 (One round-trip bus ticket, hotel room for one, and eclipse viewing glasses)

  • Two-Person Package: $300 (Two round-trip bus tickets, hotel room for two, and two eclipse viewing glasses)

  • Three-Person Package: $350 (Three round-trip bus tickets, hotel room for three, and three eclipse viewing glasses)

  • Four-Person Package: $400 (Four round-trip bus tickets, hotel room for four, and four eclipse viewing glasses)

Buses will complete a round trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Pick up will be at 6:00 a.m. EDT on August 20, 2017 and the drop off will occur by midnight on August 21, 2017 at 3200 East NC Hwy 54, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. You will receive an email with additional details about the trip.

The last day for cancellation refunds is August 7. 

What is the itinerary for the trip?

This trip includes free time in downtown Charleston! See the tentative itinerary. 

Where will we view the eclipse?

The eclipse will be viewed from The Citadel campus.

Who can I contact with questions?

For more information, contact Dr. Janelle Simmons, Manager of Programs.

Additional Resources

NASA-Eclipse 101
Total Solar Eclipse Guide

 

Photo credit: Photo by Luc Viatour/www.Lucnix.be