UPDATE | Change of location: the event will not take place at Flux Field this evening, but at the hockey fields of the Student Sports Centre.

12 August –Those who have registered to watch the sunset together and hear a talk by astrophysicist Jasmina Lazendic should head there this evening. Eclipse glasses will be handed out to participants until 7:30 p.m. Four astronomers will be on hand to answer questions. Around 200 people are expected to attend.

Jasmina Lazendic-Galloway is very enthusiastic about the total solar eclipse that is likely to be partially visible in Eindhoven tomorrow evening. Around quarter past seven, the sun will be 88 percent obscured by the moon—the largest eclipse of this century seen from the Netherlands (the prime spot for the full eclipse is in Spain). She came up with a program, ordered 100 pairs of eclipse glasses, and created a registration form for those interested.

Lazendic and works in the Electromagnetics research group on phenomena related to plasma physics, such as supernova remnants and space weather. She also leads the programme line related to radio astronomy and space at the Center for Wireless Technology (CWTe) and is a coordinator for the Honors Academy Radio Astronomy track.

Amazing universe

“Witnessing an eclipse, even if it’s just partial, is awe-inducing and inspiring,” says Lazendic. “It is the moment when you realise that we live in an amazing universe and there are so many beautiful things to experience. I think that feeling will amplify if you share it with others.”

Starting at half past six, the astrophysicist will share stories from different cultures and epochs about how eclipses were viewed. “From bad omens and immediate danger warnings, through mythological ‘dramas’, to the current astronomical significance.” She invites participants to bring blankets and snacks.

Is the Flux field on the TU/e grounds the best spot to witness the special event? “It’s hard to say. Trees might obscure our view. We will gather at the Flux field, but we might move to a better spot.”

The astrophysicists is delighted with the number of registrations. “Already 186! We did not expect so many people because of the holidays. I’ve now ordered more glasses and I hope they will arrive in time. We will also have binoculars and a small telescope so people can view the Sun in different ways.”