Get Ready for the
Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024
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 with the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 in Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania. Tom is Vice President of the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc. (MMMAA), the nonprofit organization that operates the Martz-Kohl Observatory. Tom is an avid eclipse “chaser” and says, “I saw my first Solar Eclipse on March 7, 1970. I have seen 4 Total, 1 Hybrid, 3 Annular and 5 Partial Solar Eclipses.”
Tom Traub is a lifelong resident of Warren, PA. He 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. Recently, Tom led the Martz-Kohl 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 knowledge 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.
Help the Martz-Kohl Observatory bring lectures, movies and other events to the observatory and online. Please donate via PayPal.
