ROCKLAND — On Monday April 8, 2024, Maine will be visited by a total solar eclipse.

“This is a very rare event and one not to be missed,” said Rockland Public Library, in a news release.

Tuesday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m., in the Community Room, RPL hosts science teacher Jon Wallace, who will teach about the sun and its features; what you may see during the eclipse; why it is important to travel to the areas of totality; how to see the eclipse safely and much more. Wallace will also share his solar photography.

This is an all-ages event and the library will be giving away eclipse viewing-glasses to take home.

This event is free, no registration is required.

Jon Wallace was an award-winning high school science teacher in Meriden, Connecticut for over 32 years. He is past president of the Connecticut Association of Physics Teachers and was an instructor in Wesleyan University’s Project ASTRO program. He has managed the Naugatuck Valley Community College observatory and run many astronomy classes and training sessions throughout Connecticut. Wallace has had an interest in ‘non-visual’ astronomy for over thirty years and has built or purchased various receivers as well as building over 30 demonstration devices for class use and public displays.

He is a NASA Solar System Ambassador and has given presentations at a number of schools, libraries and other group meetings. He was on the Board of the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers (SARA), was the Education Coordinator for SARA, and helped develop teaching materials for SARA and the NRAO (National Radio Astronomy Observatory) for use with their IBT (Itty-Bitty radio Telescope) educational project as well as beginner materials for the SARA website and journal. In addition, Wallace studies the Sun through daily radio astronomy data and taking regular Hydrogen Alpha solar images which he posts on his website (scienceguymaine.com).

Other interests include collecting meteorites/micrometeorites, raising arthropods (“bugs”) and insectivorous plants. Wallace has a BS in Geology from the University of Connecticut; a Master’s Degree in Environmental Education from Southern Connecticut State University and a Certificate of Advanced Study (Sixth Year) in Science (Astronomy) from Wesleyan University.

He currently lives in Maine and gives free presentations in schools, libraries and other venues in the Freeport area.