Get Ready for Upcoming Solar Eclipses

Did you know that a total solar eclipse will be visible in Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania within the next year (2024)? Did you know that there are four different types of solar eclipses? Do you know how to safely view a solar eclipse? NASA Eclipse Ambassador and experienced amateur astronomer, Tom Traub provides a historical view of solar eclipses and explains how and why eclipses happen and what you can expect to experience. Tom is Vice President of the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc. (MMMAA), the nonprofit organization that operates the Martz-Kohl Observatory.

Tom Traub is a lifelong resident of Warren, PA. Tom began his interest in Astronomy about age 9 and quickly obtained his own telescope. He built a telescope, including grinding and polishing an 8″ telescope mirror, at age 14. At age 17 Tom constructed a planetarium projector to put on public night sky programs. After the end of the Apollo space program, Tom shifted gears and became a product design engineer for Betts Industries, retiring after 41 years of service! Most recently, Tom led the observatory’s efforts to automate the Martz 24″ telescope.

Tom says, “One of my greatest joys is to bring astronomy alive to the public, especially students.” Tom has obtained and shared his extensive knowlege throughout his life. He was a charter member of the Warren County Amateur Astronomy Club, member of the Sir Issac Newton Astronomical Society and past chairman of the Mid-East Region of the Astronomical League. He taught a night-class in astronomy for Jamestown Community College. He was involved in the American Meteor Society, International Amateur Photoelectric Photometers, International Occultation Timing Association, Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers, and NASA’s Transient Lunar Phenomena Observations.

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