Times Observer file photo Pictured is John Mangus, a Warren County resident who recently helped make sure area students who want to view next year’s solar eclipse will have the proper eyeware to do so.

John Mangus wants to provide every student in Warren County with the opportunity to view next year’s solar eclipse directly.

Mangus, a Warren County native, left the area to study at Gannon University before going on to Penn State University’s main campus to obtain a masters degree in optics.

He was employed by NASA’s Goddard Space Center for nearly 30 years, rising to the position of head of the optics branch.

After retirement, he and his wife, Louise, returned to the county.

He spent another 30 years as a consultant for NASA until 2018.

In that time, his work supported projects including the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes and the Cosmic Background Explorer and International Ultraviolet Explorer missions.

He was a technical consultant on the investigation into the flaw in the main Hubble Space Telescope mirror.

Mangus is partnering with Penn State Behrend to provide eclipse glasses to students in grades kindergarten through 12 to view the April 8, 2024 eclipse. During the eclipse, Warren County will be in the path of totality – or the area where the moon totally obscures the sun and the usually invisible outer atmosphere, the corona, can be seen.

Mangus said he was approached by Britt Dachnke, associate director for development and alumni relations, at Penn State Behrend.

“She asked if I would care to donate some funds to help purchase solar eclipse viewing glasses to give to students to view the total solar eclipse in our area next year,” he said.

“We did make a donation but (did) not realize how so many students would benefit from the gift.”

Mangus said they have contributed in the past to help county students be able to visit Behrend.

Another total solar eclipse passing over the contiguous United States will not happen until 2044.

“This phenomenon is extremely rare,” said PSU Behrend Science Outreach Coordinator Tracy Halmi. “Students in our region will be able to learn about the eclipse in school and then experience the event from their own backyard.”

Sunglasses are not enough to protect the eyes during a solar eclipse. Special glasses must be worn. Even viewing through a camera, telescope or binoculars without a special solar filter can cause serious injury.

There are no classes in the Warren County School District during the eclipse. It is scheduled as an energy day.

“As part of Penn State’s land-grant mission, which includes a commitment to K-12 outreach,” the organization said in a news release. “The college has secured enough eclipse glasses for all students in Warren, Erie and Crawford counties, including students who home-school.”

Glasses will be distributed by the Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend and Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit 5.