Wonder of a solar eclipse discussed at Bradbury Science Museum talk Jan. 30

Contact: Steve Sandoval, steves@lanl.gov, (505) 665-9206 (03-011)

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LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Jan. 24, 2003 -- A total eclipse of the sun isn’t something that happens frequently. Last month, Los Alamos astrophysicist Stephen Becker traveled to Ceduna, South Australia to view such a phenomenon.

At 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, in Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Bradbury Science Museum, Becker will talk about his experiences and use slides to illustrate what he saw. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Becker, who is in Los Alamos’ Thermonuclear Applications Group and president of the Pajarito Astronomers, also will compare this eclipse with past solar eclipses. "Each eclipse is a unique experience," said Becker. "A well-placed window of sky allowed viewing of the totality and most of the partial phases. [It was] an awesome sight to behold.” The Pajarito Astronomers is sponsoring the talk in conjunction with the museum.

Becker received a doctoral degree in astronomy in 1979 from the University of Illinois. His research was in the field of theoretical astrophysics in the specialty of stellar evolution. He joined Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1983.

Bradbury Science Museum is part of Los Alamos’ Community Relations Office.

The Bradbury Science Museum is located at 15th Street and Central Avenue in Los Alamos. Museum hours, apart from special events are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

For more information, contact Pat Berger at 665-0896.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, developing technical solutions to reduce the threat of weapons of mass destruction and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.

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