On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Join Raj Pandya for a preview of the solar eclipse, with information on different types of eclipses, including how and why eclipses occur.
Raj Pandya earned a BS in applied Physics from RPI in 2006 and MS in Astronomy from SDSU in 2008. He became the Director of the John R. Kirk Planetarium and a full time lecturer in the department of Physics and Astronomy at SUNY New Paltz in fall 2011. He now teaches introductory and upper level courses in astronomy, and physics I and II labs. As Planetarium Director he develops, organizes, promotes, and presents live planetarium shows for the campus community and the regional public. He is also the faculty advisor of the student astronomy club at New Paltz, the “Cosmic Club”. Raj is originally from Westchester, New York and currently lives in New Paltz.