Join the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) team during a series of captivating events dedicated to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on April 8. This celestial phenomenon, a rare alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the wonders of the cosmos, and we're here to guide you through this awe-inspiring experience.
The 2024 eclipse will sweep across North America, granting observers in its path an unforgettable view of the eclipse in its full glory. For spectators in the United States, the eclipse path crosses central Texas around 12:23 p.m. CDT, then travels northeast across several states to Ohio at 1:59 p.m. EDT and moves on to Maine around 4:40 p.m. EDT. Totality, when the Moon entirely covers the Sun, will create a dramatic midday twilight, unveiling the Sun's corona, its outer atmosphere, which is usually hidden from view. For more information about the eclipse path, visit science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024.
Observers in Cleveland, Ohio, will experience totality around 3:15 p.m. EDT, making NASA's Glenn Visitor Center at the Great Lakes Science Center an exceptional location to witness this rare event. While not in the path of totality, Arizona will still offer a partial solar eclipse, providing a unique viewing experience.
Our celebrations will unfold at two venues, each offering a unique perspective on the eclipse and an enriching educational experience.
- NASA Glenn Visitor Center, Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland, Ohio: In collaboration with NASA, the LROC team will participate in a three-day extravaganza from April 6-8. Find us at our lunar tent alongside NASA on the south lawn for interactive exhibits, informative presentations, and hands-on activities designed to enlighten and entertain participants of all ages. Dive into the science of the Moon, discover the intricacies of lunar exploration, and witness the solar eclipse alongside experts passionate about celestial phenomena. The Cleveland event offers a direct view of totality, a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. For more information, visit their Total Eclipse Fest 2024 event page.
- Arizona State University, Tempe Campus: Our local team, in partnership with ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE), will celebrate the eclipse on April 8, from 10 am to 12:30 pm. This event, tailored to encapsulate the spirit of discovery and exploration, promises to be an enriching experience, offering insights into lunar science and the significance of solar eclipses, with a focus on the partial eclipse visible from Arizona and a maximum observable time around 11:20 a.m. MST. Find our team members at one of four locations around: The LROC Science Operations Center at Interdisciplinary A, SESE in the ISTB4 building, the Hayden lawn, and the Physical Sciences Center F-Wing.
Since 2009, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and LROC have been capturing invaluable data about the Moon's environment, paving the way for future lunar exploration missions. LROC has captured breathtaking high-resolution images, significantly enhancing our understanding of the lunar surface.
In August 2022, the launch of the ShadowCam project aimed at exploring the Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) at the Moon's poles; ShadowCam seeks to uncover the secrets lurking in lunar shadows. These regions, untouched by sunlight, may hold crucial clues to the Moon's water ice, offering a glimpse into the celestial body's past and potential resources for future explorers.
We extend a warm invitation and would like everyone to join the LROC team in witnessing the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer, an eager learner, or simply fascinated by the beauty of the cosmos, these events promise to be a memorable journey through the science and splendor of the Moon. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the LROC team, enjoy conversations about our closest neighbor, engage with interactive exhibits, and celebrate the marvels of our universe. Let's come together to witness the spectacle of the eclipse and embark on an educational adventure that transcends the boundaries of Earth, reaching into the depths of space.
We look forward to sharing this extraordinary moment with you. Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, and prepare for an experience that promises to enlighten, inspire, and awe.
Check out these eclipse moments from LROC:
Eclipse!
Another Eclipse!
2017 Eclipse as Seen from the Moon
In the Shadow of the Moon
Published by Rick Hoppe on 22 March 2024