Eclipse Viewing Party at SUNY Oneonta Attracts Thousands

By MONICA CALZOLARI
ONEONTA

Seeing the total eclipse is a very exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for millions of people across the United States,” said Skyler Reed, a junior at SUNY Oneonta majoring in physics with a focus on astronomy.

Reed, who grew up in the Adirondacks, described himself as a science nerd. He used to watch science documentaries on TV, including Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos.” He chose SUNY Oneonta because, he said, “It has one of the best physics programs in all of SUNY.”

Dr. Valerie Rapson, assistant professor of physics and astronomy, said, “We have the largest optical telescope in New York State. We also have three research-grade telescopes at College Camp where our students can conduct research over the summer.”