On April 8th, the National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy) in Tucker County hosted a solar eclipse event that drew around 450 attendees. Executive Director Ryan Haupt led the event, which welcomed students from local schools, homeschoolers, and other visitors.
The event included a variety of activities to engage students and visitors alike. They viewed the eclipse through homemade pinhole cameras, participated in a planetarium show, and created science projects in the MakerSpace. One of the highlights of the event was when students worked with George Hebb of The Computer Shop to use a laser engraver to cut out eyeholes for eclipse glasses on paper plate sun masks that they had designed. Additionally, Dr. Ryan Haupt gave a talk on women in STEM featuring Katherine Johnson, a West Virginian.
Jerod Caligiuri, an Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Physics at Davis and Elkins College, led demonstrations on the science of eclipses, including viewing the eclipse through a telescope with a sun filter for safety. Attendees were also able to enjoy astronaut snacks provided by local producers. The event was organized by the Tucker County Family Support Center, with special thanks to the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium and the Parker Solar Probe for their support in funding and providing eclipse glasses.
According to Ryan Haupt, solar eclipses offer a unique opportunity to connect with the vastness of the universe and share in a moment of awe with others. This event allowed the local community to come together and experience this cosmic event in a meaningful way. The success of