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The contiguous United States will see only one total solar eclipse between now and the year 2044, and the citizens of Russellville, Arkansas, are ready.<\/p>\n
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Moon will pass between the Sun and Earth, providing a rare opportunity for those in the path of the Moon\u2019s shadow to see a total solar eclipse, including the Sun\u2019s outer atmosphere, or corona. With more than 100,000 tourists expected to visit Russellville for this rare experience, elected officials and industry leaders hosted a team of NASA experts from the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, to discuss educational outreach opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving NASA involved elevates the importance of this eclipse and amplifies the excitement for our community,\u201d said Russellville Mayor Fred Teague. \u201cWe are thankful for the rich discussions and insight provided by NASA, and we look forward to hosting them again during the April eclipse.\u201d<\/p>\n
Due to the length of the eclipse totality in Russellville, NASA is planning to host part of the agency\u2019s live television broadcast from the city, as well as conduct several scientific presentations and public outreach events for visitors. Additional factors for selecting Russellville included access to a large university, and proximity to Little Rock \u2013 the state\u2019s capital \u2013 to engage media outlets and key stakeholders representing industry and academia.<\/p>\n
The day-long Oct. 30 visit helped NASA learn how the city is preparing for the massive influx of tourists and news media personnel. Christie Graham, director of Russellville Tourism, explained the city\u2019s commitment to the eclipse and how their planning processes started more than a year in advance.<\/p>\n
\u201cMonths ago, we created our solar eclipse outreach committee, consisting of key stakeholders and thought leaders from across the city,\u201d Graham said. \u201cWe\u2019ve developed advanced communication and emergency management plans which will maximize our city\u2019s resources and ensure everyone has a safe and memorable viewing experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
This visit also provided NASA an opportunity to share important heliophysics messaging with the public, including the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. To learn how best to interact with local students, NASA team members met with the Russellville School District Superintendent Ginni McDonald and Arkansas Tech University President Russell Jones.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeveraging the eclipse to provide quality learning opportunities will be a valuable and unforgettable experience for all,\u201d said McDonald. \u201cOur staff enjoyed discussing best strategies and look forward to sharing NASA educational content with our students.\u201d<\/p>\n
The team also discussed internship opportunities available for students to work at NASA centers across the nation, as well as how to get involved in NASA\u2019s Artemis student challenges, sophisticated engineering design challenges available for middle school, high school, college and university students.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur university serves nearly 10,000 students, many pursuing a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degrees, including mechanical and electrical engineering, biological and computer sciences, nursing, and more,\u201d Jones said. <\/p>\n
Russell Jones<\/p>\n
Arkansas Tech University President<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cIt is important our students learn of the many unique opportunities available with NASA and how they can get involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
The agency\u2019s visit concluded with a free public presentation at the Center for Performing Arts, where more than 1,000 attendees gained insight on the upcoming eclipse from Dr. Adam Kobelski, a solar astrophysicist at Marshall. Following the presentation, all NASA team members participated in a question-and-answer session with audience members of all ages.<\/p>\n
Overall, the visit proved valuable for everyone with NASA team members remarking how enthusiastic and prepared both Russellville and the university are to support the eclipse event.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a refreshing reminder of the public\u2019s excitement for the science we conduct at NASA,\u201d said Kobelski. \u201cThis experience established my overall confidence in their readiness to successfully host a quality viewing experience for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The April eclipse is part of the Heliophysics Big Year, a global celebration of solar science and the Sun\u2019s influence on Earth and the entire solar system. Everyone is encouraged to participate in solar science events such as watching solar eclipses, experiencing an aurora, participating in citizen science projects, and other fun Sun-related activities.<\/p>\n
Cities across the nation are planning eclipse watch parties and other celebrations to commemorate the event. Weather permitting, the April 2024 total eclipse will be visible across 13 states, from Texas to New York.<\/p>\n
Christopher Blair
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala
256.544.0034
christopher.e.blair@nasa.gov<\/p>\n<\/div>\n