The National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy) in Tucker County hosted a solar eclipse event on Monday, April 8th. Throughout the day, approximately 450 people attended the event, including students from local schools like Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School and Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School, homeschoolers, and other visitors. The event featured various activities such as an inflatable dome planetarium show, homemade pinhole cameras for viewing the eclipse, and a talk by Dr. Ryan Haupt, the Executive Director of NYSAcademy, on women in STEM highlighting West Virginia’s own Katherine Johnson.
Students were able to engage in hands-on projects in the MakerSpace, including creating eclipse masks with laser engravers and making bracelets that demonstrated the Purkinje effect, where red colors appear darker during an eclipse. Jerod Caligiuri, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Physics at Davis and Elkins College, provided instruction on the science of eclipses and led demonstrations on how to safely view the eclipse through a telescope with a sun filter. Additionally, astronaut snacks such as cured meats and dried fruits were provided for attendees to enjoy.
George Hebb of The Computer Shop in Oakland, MD, worked with students on the laser engraver to cut out eyeholes for eclipse glasses on student-designed paper plate sun masks. Executive Director Ryan Haupt also demonstrated the dynamics of an eclipse event to a group of students, providing a hands-on educational experience for all attendees. The event was made possible thanks to the support of the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium and the Parker Solar Probe, who provided funds and eclipse glasses for the event.
In reflecting on the experience, Ryan Haupt shared that solar eclipses offer a rare opportunity for individuals to feel their place in the universe. It was a special moment for the local community to witness and appreciate a cosmic event together, setting aside their phones to embrace the shared awe of the eclipse. Overall, the event was a successful and enriching experience for all those who attended.