Astronomer, cyclist spreads solar eclipse news by bike

Photo courtesy of NASA.

ST GEORGE – Gary Parkerson, the 62-Year old astronomer-cyclist known as the ‘Pedaling Astronomer’ will be riding through St. George, Utah between Oct. 8-10 while on his 13,500 mile, 48 state cross-country bike ride, bringing attention to amateur astronomy and cycling across the country. The ride is scheduled to arrive in Casper, Wyoming, to celebrate the total solar eclipse occurring in the United States in August 2017.

The Pedaling Astronomer Project is part of a broad strategy to raise public awareness for amateur astronomy and cycling around the country, as well as generate public enthusiasm for next year’s total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. During stops along his ride, Parkerson spends his evenings sharing the night skies with local communities using a specially designed telescope that integrates with his bike. Gary’s ride began in Louisiana in May 2016, first riding north through Missouri and Kansas, before the route took him west through New Mexico, Arizona, California and Utah. After a break for the holiday season, Gary will resume his ride in Florida and ride up the East Coast, before cycling through the Midwest. Throughout his ride, Gary attends star parties, street fairs and other community events, educating the public on the principles of astronomy while encouraging visitors to experience the stars and planets through a telescope.

By day, Gary is a dedicated cyclist. By night, he is an internationally recognized authority on the astronomy technology industry and editor of Astronomy Technology Today magazine. The bi-monthly magazine focuses on the technical side of amateur astronomy and features industry news, product reviews and tutorials. Gary’s latest venture, the ‘Pedaling Astronomer Project’, offers a uniquely engaging way to promote both astronomy and cycling by teaching that cycling is healthy and accessible, while showing an affordable and fun side of astronomy.

The Pedaling Astronomer Project is a volunteer outreach effort, supported by Gary Parkerson, his daughter Rachel, and industry sponsors. For more information on the Pedaling Astronomer Project, please visit www.pedalingastronomer.com. For media resources, including photographs and a press release, please visit http://www.skywatcherusa.com/press/. For inquiries, Gary can be reached at 318-588-2886.

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