On April 8, NASA and its partners will celebrate the wonders of the total solar eclipse as it passes over North America, with the path of totality in the United States, from Kerrville, Texas, to Houlton, Maine.
Eclipses are an important contribution to NASA's research into the Sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, and the part of Earth's atmosphere where space weather happens. They're also an inspirational opportunity for the public to get involved, learn, and connect with our place in the universe.
"Working with external partners extends NASA's reach and allows diverse audiences access to information about eclipses and the importance of safe viewing," said Maureen O'Brien, strategic alliances and partnerships manager for NASA's Office of Communications. "Our partners bring their creativity in sharing the excitement of the upcoming eclipse and help encourage everyone to safely enjoy this celestial event."
Here are just some ways NASA is working with partners to engage the public in the upcoming total solar eclipse.
- NASA and the Major League Baseball Players Association are collaborating on the development of video and social content to emphasize eclipse awareness and safe viewing.
- In partnership with the MLB, NASA will provide video content to air at stadiums during games and agency officials will throw out the first pitch in several games leading up to the eclipse.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway is hosting an eclipse viewing event and live broadcast that will feature NASA exhibits, astronauts, INDY drivers, and STEM engagement talks and activities for visitors.
- Peanuts Worldwide is supporting educators with the release of new eclipse learning resources for elementary and middle school students and Snoopy is participating in events in Cleveland.
- Krispy Kreme introduced a new doughnut in honor of the eclipse and will share information about the eclipse and safe viewing.
- NASA is working with Google on new eclipse content on the Arts & Culture and other Google pages.
- Third Rock Radio (TRR) is sharing NASA podcast content and expert interviews, educational and safety messages, and a message from the International Space Station. TRR also will feature a Solar Songs listener request weekend leading up to eclipse day and live NASA TV audio coverage during the eclipse.
- Nasdaq will carry coverage of part of the NASA TV broadcast on its screen in Times Square.
"This year's total solar eclipse represents a unique opportunity for NASA and partners to collaborate to inspire and engage students across the country," said Rob Lasalvia, partnership manager for NASA's Office of STEM Engagement.
- Crayola Education released an eclipse-themed how-to video about the eclipse with a creative exercise for students.
- LEGO Education launched an eclipse education challenge to engage students and the public in learning more about the Sun and the eclipse.
- Microsoft will launch a quiz on eclipse safety with links to NASA resources.
- Discovery Education will get classrooms excited about space with eclipse resources on its PreK-12 learning platform.
- Canva released a series of free interactive eclipse courses and LabXchange released a new eclipse learning pathway for students.
- The Achievery will feature a collection of eclipse videos, share NASA's live eclipse coverage, and host student events at AT&T locations across the country.
- NASA experts participated in a Game Jam hosted by the National Esports Association in February in which university students were challenged to create a game simulation of the Eclipse. The student-developed games will be featured during an online eclipse gaming event April 8.
- Jack and Jill of America, Inc. will host eclipse watch parties across the country for which NASA will provide viewing eclipse resources and educational materials.
- Girl Scouts of the USA is sharing NASA eclipse information and encouraging its chapters and troops to host watch parties or connect to local NASA events.
- NASA partnered with the National Park Service and Earth to Sky on activities, including the "Interpreting Eclipses" webinar series, to prepare interpreters and informal educators for the total eclipse and Heliophysics Big Year. Through this partnership, national parks hosting eclipse events also will provide elements designed especially for the blind and low vision, neurodivergent children, the physically impaired, and those with hearing impairments.
- NASA is providing eclipse resources and educational materials to local 4-H clubs along the path of totality through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"At NASA, we believe that science is for everyone. You don't need a degree in science to be curious, ask questions, and explore how our world and universe work," said Anita Dey, partnerships manager for outreach and engagement for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. "We work to help people on their own journeys of scientific exploration."
