Solar Astronomy with Jon Wallace
Saturday, August 22, 2026
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum – Discovery Gallery
99 Main Street, Bethel, Maine
Rain or Shine
Outdoor solar telescope observing will follow the presentation, weather permitting.
Take a Closer Look at Our Nearest Star
Following the unforgettable total solar eclipse of 2024 and the spectacular auroral displays that lit up skies across North America, interest in our nearest star has never been greater. But the Sun is constantly changing, revealing new features and activity every day.
Join the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum for a fascinating presentation by Jon Wallace, award-winning science educator and NASA Solar System Ambassador, as we explore the Sun in ways impossible to see with the naked eye.
Using images captured in multiple wavelengths of light, Jon will reveal the dynamic processes taking place on the Sun’s surface and explain how solar activity influences Earth and the rest of our solar system. You’ll also learn how both amateur and professional astronomers study the Sun using specialized instruments and observing techniques.
Weather permitting, the program will conclude outdoors, where participants will have the opportunity to safely observe the Sun through several specially designed solar telescopes—each providing a unique view of solar features such as sunspots, prominences, and hydrogen-alpha activity.
Whether you’re an experienced astronomy enthusiast or simply curious about our closest star, this program offers a unique opportunity to experience solar astronomy firsthand.
About Jon Wallace
Jon Wallace is an award-winning science educator with more than 30 years of experience teaching high school science and inspiring audiences through astronomy outreach.
A NASA Solar System Ambassador, Jon has presented programs for schools, libraries, museums, and community organizations throughout New England. His interests include solar astronomy, radio astronomy, meteorites, and science education.
Throughout his career, Jon has:
- Served as President of the Connecticut Association of Physics Teachers
- Managed the observatory at Naugatuck Valley Community College
- Served on the Board of Directors for the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers (SARA)
- Developed educational resources for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)
- Collected more than 2,100 days of hydrogen-alpha solar observations as part of his ongoing solar imaging research
Now based in Maine, Jon continues to share his passion for astronomy through free educational programs and public outreach across the state.