The UNL Student Observatory will be open to the public to allow viewing of a rare partial solar eclipse on Oct. 23. The observatory will be open to the public from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to provide safe, enlarged views of the interstellar event.

The public viewing will be hosted by faculty and staff from UNL’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, who will be there with several eye-safe solar telescopes and protective solar glasses. They will also be able to answer questions about eclipses and astronomy.

The public is reminded to not look at the sun at any time, even during the eclipse, because the direct rays of the sun can damage eyesight. Proper viewing glasses, a pinhole projection system or other equipment designed for the purpose are necessary for safe viewing.

The Student Observatory is on the top level of the Stadium Drive Parking Garage, on T Street between 10th Street and Stadium Drive. Parking is available in the garage for a fee of $1 per hour. The garage entrance is on T Street.

For more information about the Oct. 23 solar eclipse, click here.