Our Crowdfunding Groups
The NIU Observatory would like to purchase a digital video camera setup for our telescope, along with 1,000 sets of eclipse glasses to be used for an on-campus and live-streamed viewing party for the upcoming total eclipse.
This April's total eclipse will be quite a sight to see, with DeKalb getting around 95% totality. We want to make sure as many people as possible get a chance to see this celestial event! By helping us to live-stream and record the event as seen from the NIU Observatory, anyone who wants to will be able to see the view from NIU's solar telescope without having to climb the stairs and wait in line. We'll also have plenty of eclipse activities going on outside and would like to be able to provide plenty of special protective glasses for everyone who would like to come to campus and observe the event in person.
Once installed, the live streaming setup will also allow us to host accessible viewing nights for those who cannot reach the observatory to visit in person. By live streaming the view from the observatory into one of our lecture halls or through our social media we hope to be able to share our love of astronomy with even more people throughout the community, while making the experience accessible to everyone.
