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Seton Hall University

Eclipse at the Hall Covered by Fox 5, WMBC TV and WABC Radio  

Professor Jose Lopez explaining the science behind the solar eclipse to a student looking through a telescope. On Monday, August 21 the Physics Department and Student Services held a view party on the green for the solar eclipse. In anticipation of the event, Professor Jose Lopez gave a lecture in McNulty Hall on "The Sun and the Physics of a Solar Eclipse." The amphitheater was packed, with a standing room only crowd to hear the physics professor explain what we were about to witness.

After the lecture, the crowd assembled outside for refreshments under the sun—or 71 percent of it— as the moon commenced to align itself partially between South Orange, New Jersey and that great big shining orb in the sky.

Those present were able to view the partial covering of the sun through special telescopes equipped for eclipse viewing, special eclipse glasses that the University made available, and a plethora of homemade contraptions designed to witness the none-to-frequent event. In addition, Fox News, NY was on campus with a video camera specially retrofitted to film the eclipse and broadcast it live to its TV audience; people were given the opportunity to see the eclipse through the lens and a viewfinder attached to the camera. In addition to Fox News, WMBC TV came to campus to film and Professor Lopez gave updates via phone to a radio audience at WABC.

After the eclipse there was a tour of the Astronomical Observatory on the 5th floor of McNulty Hall and the Laboratory of Electrophysics and Atmospheric Plasmas (LEAP).

A more comprehensive look from Fox, with interviews from the crowd and Professor Lopez here, in "Observing the Eclipse at Seton Hall University."

And an article in preparation for the eclipse which features Professor Jose Lopez, "Total solar eclipse 2017: Get ready for the big event."

To see more coverage devoted to the event on campus with interviews of both professors and students, see "Solar Eclipse: Seton Hall Watch Event" from WMBC.

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