ABQ Solar: Annular Eclipse Viewing at the Balloon Museum

The Balloon Museum is offering the public an opportunity to view the eclipse-which at its center point creates the "ring of fire" around the sun as the moon's shadow fills the entire surface of the sun's center-from the beautiful museum and grounds that offer majestic mountain views, soaring spaces and fascinating exhibits that celebrate the history, art, culture, science and sport of lighter-than-air flight.

Professional and amateur astronomers as well as the general public will gather for the opportunity to view the sun's disappearance through the generous participation of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS). The all-volunteer group will provide telescopes fitted with solar filters that will be projected on a giant LCD screen inside the Museum.

The Solar Eclipse event will include live music, food and beverages available for purchase, children's activities that include interactive learning, crafts and a climbing wall. The movie "Contact" will also be screened at 8:30 p.m. It was filmed at the Very Large Array near Socorro and features Jodi Foster as a scientist trying to make contact with possible life elsewhere in the Universe.

All activities are included with regular museum admission. Parking is free, and attendees
are encouraged to bring folding chairs and/or blankets as seating is limited.

For more solar events taking place in Albuquerque please visit: http://www.itsatrip.org/abqsolarevents