Preparations underway for April’s solar eclipse with activities and educational resources

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) along with agency partners is gearing up to provide informative and educational activities surrounding the total solar eclipse set to occur on April 8, 2024. This event is considered a once-in-a-generation astronomical occurrence as the next total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States will not happen until 2044.

To mark this significant event, NSF will be celebrating the eclipse in Dallas, Texas, which lies within the path of totality, in Washington, D.C. (outside the path of totality), and in various locations across the country. For those unable to attend in person, NSF will be live-streaming the eclipse on their YouTube channel, featuring scientists and showcasing advanced solar observing technology like the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope.

In preparation for the eclipse, NSF, in collaboration with NOAA and NASA, is making 1 million solar eclipse glasses available to the public. These glasses will be distributed nationwide and can also be found at the National Mall on the day of the eclipse while supplies last.

Leading up to the event, NSF will host outreach events at public libraries, museums, and observatories nationwide, offering free eclipse-related educational materials to teachers, parents, and caregivers. Educational resources on the science of eclipses are also provided.

For more information on the upcoming total solar eclipse and NSF’s involvement, interested individuals can visit the Total Solar Eclipse 2024 page on the National Science Foundation’s website.

Specific viewing events are planned on April 8 in Washington, D.C., and Dallas, Texas. In Washington, D.C., a Solar Eclipse Festival will take place on the National Mall from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT, offering various activities and safe telescopes for sun viewing. The eclipse will be visible in the area between 2:04 p.m. and 4:32 p.m., with maximum coverage at 3:20 p.m. Solar eclipse glasses will be available.

In Dallas, the Fair Park Cotton Bowl® Stadium will host the Sun, Moon, and You Solar Eclipse Viewing Event, which is free but requires ticket registration. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. CDT, with the show starting at 9:30 a.m. CDT. Special guest Neil deGrasse Tyson will speak, and educational entertainment from the PBS series “Ready, Jet, Go!” will be provided. Tickets are available for this event.

For those unable to attend in person, NSF will be live-streaming the eclipse for educational purposes, targeting school-aged children. The stream will feature scientists discussing solar studies and technology used for observation.

Leading up to April 8, various other educational and outreach events are planned across the country in anticipation of the total solar eclipse. These events will involve solar and space experts, presentations, and activities that are open to the public for free. For updates and more details, interested individuals can check the Total Solar Eclipse 2024 page on the National Science Foundation’s website.