UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) invites the public to its Solar Eclipse Watch Party on April 8, which includes a full afternoon of fun and informative activities in the Wildcat Field House, celebrating this rare event.

The free admission event begins at noon, where attendees can build a camera obscura to safely view the eclipse with SUNY Poly Associate Professor of History Dr. Kristina Boylan. At 1:15 p.m. Dr. Boylan will be joined by Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Shing Chi Leung, who will give a lecture about the history and science behind solar eclipses. Then at 2:15 p.m., attendees can enjoy some half-moons, play eclipse trivia, and pick up one of 500 solar eclipse glasses (available on a first come, first serve basis) provided by an anonymous donor. Following these activities, everyone will make their way outside to view the amazing spectacle. 

“The SUNY Poly community is grateful for the generosity of the anonymous donor that provided the solar eclipse glasses, as well as for the support of the Student Government Association and Alumni Association in making this event happen,” said SUNY Poly Vice President of Institutional Advancement Andrea LaGatta. “We are excited to welcome the community to campus, to celebrate this rare event at New York’s premier public polytechnic.”

To learn more about the event, contact SUNY Poly Coordinator of University Conferencing and Events Bill Dustin at bill.dustin@sunypoly.edu.