April 6, 2024

Local priest-astronomer speaks about eclipse, compatibility of faith and science

REGIONAL
By Sharon Roulier

Father Douglas McGonagle (Catholic Communications file photo illustration/Fred LeBlanc)

SPRINGFIELD – On Monday, April 8, a solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Father Douglas McGonagle, a priest-astronomer and pastor of Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Hadley, offered some insight into this astronomical phenomenon in an interview that was to be broadcast on “Real to Reel” April 6.

He began by saying that his dual role is a prime example of faith and science working hand-in-hand.

“Some people have the idea that science and religion are at odds with each other. And there’s nothing further from the truth. I grew up in a Catholic family and my dad worked in the high-tech industry in the Boston area and he gave me both my faith and my love for science,” he said.

He explained that viewers of the solar eclipse would witness the moon passing in front of the sun in the afternoon.

“We’ll be on the outer edge of where the totality will be, and what we’ll see here in Springfield is about 95 percent of the sun being covered by the moon,” said Father McGonagle, as he noted that the long-range forecast for Monday afternoon indicates mostly sunny conditions, making perfect conditions for viewing the eclipse.

“A little before 3:30 on Monday it will be getting darker and you do not want to be staring at the sun for any length of time. You will do irreparable damage to your eyes,” he said.

Viewers are urged to obtain special solar eclipse glasses so they might view the moon passing in front of the sun, which is a rare, and fascinating occurrence.

“I’ve never seen a full, total eclipse myself, but I’m told that the experience of a full, total eclipse, when the sun completely disappears, the corona, the outer atmosphere of the sun becomes visible, the sky turns black and the stars come out, is a very moving experience. And it’s unique, it doesn’t happen all that often,” he said.

The interview with Father McGonagle will be featured on the April 6 edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evening at 7 on WWLP-22NEWS.