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Young astronomers learn about science at Astrofest

Posted at 9:35 PM, May 19, 2012
and last updated 2012-05-20 00:36:11-04

PROVO - Young scientists gathered at Brigham Young University to learn about space, and this year's focus was on the upcoming annular eclipse.

BYU's Astrofest is an annual event aimed at getting kids interested in science.

"Let the kids know how much fun science is," said Denise Stevens, a BYU professor. "There are not a lot of opportunities in Utah County to take your kids somewhere where it's free and they can have some fun with science and learn about science."

With the eclipse of the sun occurring this weekend for the first time since 1994, this year's event focused on the rare event and how to safely watch it.

"With the eclipse, we're teaching people how to use solar glasses this year," said Stevens. "There are lots of safe ways to view the solar eclipse without looking at it directly."

Organizers say thousands of young astronomers showed up at Saturday's event.

The eclipse will take place on Sunday between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. [SEE MORE]