Observing the Gravitational Deflection of Light During the 2017 Solar Eclipse
Department, Center, or Institute
Physics
Presentation Format
Individual Oral Presentation
Presentation Type
Research
Description
During our presentation, we will discuss our initial preparations for observing the gravitational lensing effects that will be visible during the Solar Eclipse that will occur on August 21st of this year. Our research last summer focused on determining the celestial position of the Sun during the eclipse, imaging the star field – at night – that the Sun will occupy during the eclipse, and determining whether low-cost ‘off-the-shelf’ telescope, camera, and software resources are capable of observing the lensing effect. We will first - introduce the history behind this project, second - discuss our initial calculations regarding the angular deflection of star light by the Sun’s gravity, and third - discuss the feasibility of this experiment with the equipment we have. Lastly, we will show a simulation of the solar eclipse using the Timmons Planetarium.
Department Organized Oral Session Title
Observing the Gravitational Deflection of Light During the 2017 Solar Eclipse
Session Number
4
Start Date and Time
4-4-2017 2:30 PM
Location
Planetarium
Recommended Citation
Simon, Scott and Woodruff, Dillon, "Observing the Gravitational Deflection of Light During
the 2017 Solar Eclipse" (2017). Furman Engaged!. 253.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/furmanengaged/2017/all/253
Observing the Gravitational Deflection of Light During the 2017 Solar Eclipse
Planetarium
During our presentation, we will discuss our initial preparations for observing the gravitational lensing effects that will be visible during the Solar Eclipse that will occur on August 21st of this year. Our research last summer focused on determining the celestial position of the Sun during the eclipse, imaging the star field – at night – that the Sun will occupy during the eclipse, and determining whether low-cost ‘off-the-shelf’ telescope, camera, and software resources are capable of observing the lensing effect. We will first - introduce the history behind this project, second - discuss our initial calculations regarding the angular deflection of star light by the Sun’s gravity, and third - discuss the feasibility of this experiment with the equipment we have. Lastly, we will show a simulation of the solar eclipse using the Timmons Planetarium.