MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile’s four-day RamFest celebration Oct. 12-15 has it all – athletic contests, a tailgate, Miss University of Mobile competition, a worship service at Cottage Hill Baptist Church, and even fireworks at The Jungle.
A few hours before the fireworks begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, attendees are invited to a mid-day viewing of the annular solar eclipse – called a “Ring of Fire” – narrated by physics professor Dr. Salomon Itza.
“In our area, the eclipse will be partial, with about 70% of the solar disk appearing black, not orange, as our view of the sun is blocked by the moon,” the professor explained.
Itza, who hosts UM’s “Stargazing with Dr. Itza,” said faculty and students from the Natural Science Department will be stationed on the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn with solar telescopes and solar glasses. The eclipse is expected to begin at 10:37 a.m., be at its peak about 12:10 p.m., and end by 1:47 p.m.
“We may also observe changes in animal behavior, as the weather resembles a sunset and sunrise during the middle of the day,” Itza said. He said there will be a limited number of solar glasses that visitors can share, and said it is important to never look at the sun without proper eye protection. (In case of rain or overcast skies, the solar eclipse viewing will be canceled.)
Those in the Mobile area will see the Ring of Fire as a partial eclipse, and another total eclipse set for April 2024 will also be seen as a partial eclipse in our area. But stick around, and you may have a chance to see a total eclipse a few years from now.
“In 2052 and 2078, Gulf Shores and Mobile area will be the ground for Total Solar Eclipses, so mark your calendars!” Itza said.
For information about all RamFest events, visit umobile.edu/ramfest. Some events are free and others require tickets.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222
Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.