On April 8, 2024, the Moon’s dark shadow will cross the continental U.S. for the second time in seven years. This total solar eclipse promises to be among the most widely observed in history. It’s already widely anticipated, as many hotels within the path of totality sold out two years in advance. And another solar eclipse, this one an annular (ring) eclipse, served as a warm-up act when it crossed the western U.S. in October, 2023. Kelly's presentation will provide an overview of the nature of solar eclipses, helpful advice for seeing April’s event successfully, and a preview of solar eclipses worth seeing through 2028.

J. Kelly Beatty has been explaining the science and wonder of astronomy to the public since 1974, when he joined the staff of Sky & Telescope. An award-winning writer and communicator, he specializes in planetary science and space exploration. In 2018, after 43 years of pounding the keyboard, he retired from full-time work but remains actively involved in many S&T articles, tours, and other projects. You'll occasionally hear his interviews on The Weather Channel and National Public Radio. Kelly holds a Bachelors degree from the California Institute of Technology and a Master's degree from Boston University. During the 1980s he was among the first Western journalists to gain firsthand access to the Soviet space program. Asteroid 2925 Beatty was named on the occasion of his marriage in 1983, and in 1986 he was chosen one of the 100 semifinalists for NASA's Journalist in Space program.

Presented in partnership with Chelmsford Public Library.

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