Astronomer to discuss eclipse at UAPB
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Chemistry & Physics will host a presentation by a solar astronomer who will discuss the upcoming eclipse.
Samaiyah I. Farid, Ph.D, project scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research High Altitude Observatory at Boulder, Colo., will speak at 2 p.m. March 7 in the S.A. Haley Auditorium at the S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex at UAPB.
Farid will discuss “Chasing Darkness: Observing the Rare Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024.”
The community is invited to attend, according to Miah M. Adel, Ph.D. UAPB professor of Physics, Astronomy, Water Resources, & Environmental Sciences.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Total solar eclipses provide a rare opportunity to glimpse the solar atmosphere directly from Earth,” according to a news release. “Unfortunately, such events are infrequent and only last a few minutes. Fortunately, North America is set to experience a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. In this presentation, she discusses what we expect to observe during the eclipse and the valuable insights we can gain from these observations.”
Farid will also explore opportunities for students, faculty, and individuals outside academia to actively participate in solar physics research. She will also experiment with eclipse observing tools such as sunspotters and eclipse glasses.
“This type of eclipse occurs once in decades,” Adel said in the release. “It is a golden opportunity for the UAPB family members to fulfill their inquisitiveness on the issue. It is anticipated that faculty will accompany the students to the lecture. Staff members, too, are welcome to attend the lecture. Dr. Farid’s speech will be highly educational. Eclipse observing glasses will be given away at the assembly.”
Farid’s research focuses on understanding the thermal and magnetic evolution of coronal eruptions using ground and space-based observations and 3D models.
The scientist received her PhD from Vanderbilt University in 2020. She received her bachelor and master’s degrees from Alabama A&M University.
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service), 1000 Townsend Drive, will host its monthly food distribution at 10 a.m. March 12.
The food giveaway is open to the public. Each family will receive one box of food on a first come, first served basis. Participants must bring their ID, according to a news release.
The food distribution is sponsored by TOPPS, Canaan Christian Center, Arkansas Food Bank, Pine Bluff Police Department, Calvary Baptist Church, Zion Church Northwest Arkansas, and Pine Bluff Community Foundation. Annette Howard Dove is the founder/director of TOPPS. Details: (870) 850-6011.
Election commission to meet
Michael Adam, chairman of the Jefferson County Election Commission, called two meetings of the commissioners.
The commissioners will hold an election day meeting on Tuesday beginning at 7 a.m. until unofficial election results are announced at the election center, 123 Main St., at approximately 9 p.m.
The commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the election center. The agenda includes public comments on new business (2 minutes per speaker). New business includes to adjudicate any provisional and absentee ballots and approve manual audit of unofficial election results.
Agency announces menu
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas is serving lunches from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays at the senior centers. Here’s next week’s menu:
Monday — Baked chicken strips, cauliflower and cheese sauce, peas and carrots, cookie, and milk.
Tuesday — Meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, green beans, wheat bread, fruit, and milk.
Wednesday — Sliced ham, black-eyed peas, greens, cornbread, cranapple dessert, and milk.
Thursday — Chicken parmigiana with sauce, spinach salad, corn, breadstick, spiced peaches, and milk.
Friday — Lean hamburger patty on bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, baked beans, sweet potato fries, fruit, and milk.
Details: Strachota Senior Citizens Center, (870) 543-6323.