Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Community of Practice

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  • 1.  What kinds of eclipse excitement have you seen popping up around you?

    Posted 09-08-2023 22:17
    Giant cow statue wearing custom-fabricated eclipse glasses at the Geauga County Fair (Ohio). What a creative way to raise awareness around an eclipse event!


    I was recently at my local county fair in Ohio, and the fairgrounds are located directly in the path of totality for 2024. They're planning a huge viewing party. To help raise awareness and get people excited, they made a pair of eclipse glasses for their giant cow statue. It was a hit! People were taking photos all day, and it got me thinking about creative ways to market eclipse activities.

    What kinds of excitement have you seen popping up? Does this spark any ideas about what your museum could do?



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    Claire Dorsett
    Director of STEM Programming
    Fab Foundation
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  • 2.  RE: What kinds of eclipse excitement have you seen popping up around you?

    Posted 09-12-2023 10:39

    I love this photo, Claire! I'm already finding some interesting articles from non-educational perspectives on promoting the eclipse like this article which has a lot of good links to other sources and community events: https://www.sportsdestinations.com/management/marketing-sponsorships/destinations-already-promoting-daylights-out-next-31992.

    Has anyone seen something interesting from your local chamber of commerce, tourism or visitor's bureau?



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    Shannon Sullivan
    Senior Manager of Programs
    ASTC
    Washington DC
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  • 3.  RE: What kinds of eclipse excitement have you seen popping up around you?

    Posted 09-13-2023 11:00
    6ft wide pair of eclipse glasses that fully work

    We've been promoting the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse through our 6ft wide pairs of Eclipse Glasses that fully work. We had 5 produced with 3 of them traveling between festivals and events across Rochester, NY, and around the state, including at the Great New York State Fair and an "Eclipse Day" at our local Minor League Baseball team. They were heavily inspired by the giant glasses that the Adler Planetarium produced back in 2017. Watching people's reactions as they look through the glasses never gets old. We occasionally travel with a 10ft inflatable sun as well which really grabs people's attention.



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    Daniel Schneiderman
    Eclipse Partnerships Coordinator
    Rochester Museum & Science Center
    Rochester NY
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  • 4.  RE: What kinds of eclipse excitement have you seen popping up around you?

    Posted 09-21-2023 10:51

    I love this, Daniel! Who did you work with to produce these? Would you be comfortable sharing the design / construction details for others interested in replicating this locally to foster excitement around their own events?

    Supersizing (semi)familiar objects like this is such a great way to make them novel and exciting--especially when they're interactive like these!



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    Claire Dorsett
    Director of STEM Programming
    The Fab Foundation
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: What kinds of eclipse excitement have you seen popping up around you?

    Posted 09-28-2023 13:34

    We worked with a local sign/exhibit company here in Rochester (Excelsus Solutions). 4 of our 5 pairs are 6ft wide and the 5th pair is 8ft wide. The supports are made out of steel (might not recommend). Assembly only takes about 15 minutes if that. It is held together with 18 nuts and bolts. The glasses were designed to come apart fairly easily and fit inside most cars. We had the glasses designed to be aimed at 45 degrees based on where the sun will be during the April 8th, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.

    I believe the filter material was bought from Rainbow Symphony or Thousand Oaks Optical.

    People can email me at dschneiderman@rmsc.org for plans.

    Huge thank you to the Adler Planetarium for advising us.



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    Daniel Schneiderman
    Eclipse Partnerships Coordinator
    Rochester Museum & Science Center
    Rochester NY
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: What kinds of eclipse excitement have you seen popping up around you?

    Posted 11-13-2023 11:01

    While I don't have personal experiences, I've observed online discussions and social media buzz about recent eclipses. People share anticipation, eclipse-chasing plans, and stunning photos. Astronomy enthusiasts eagerly discuss optimal viewing locations and capture techniques. Scientists delve into the celestial mechanics, explaining the rare alignments. Social media platforms light up with eclipse-related hashtags, fostering a global sense of awe and connection as people collectively witness these celestial events.



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    Jrue Teo
    jrue teo
    Jrueteo
    New York NY
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  • 7.  RE: What kinds of eclipse excitement have you seen popping up around you?

    Posted 01-15-2024 07:11

    1. Community Events:

      • Many communities organize eclipse viewing events, where people gather to witness the celestial phenomenon together.
      • Astronomy clubs, science centers, and planetariums often host educational programs and activities during eclipses.

    2. Travel for Totality:

      • Enthusiasts often travel to locations where a total solar eclipse is visible to experience the event in its full glory.
      • Eclipse tourism has become increasingly popular, with people planning trips to specific regions to witness total solar eclipses.

    3. Photography and Social Media:

      • Eclipses provide excellent opportunities for photography, and social media platforms are often flooded with eclipse images.
      • People share their experiences, photos, and videos, contributing to the global conversation around the event.

    4. Educational Initiatives:

      • Schools and educational institutions may incorporate eclipse events into their curriculum, providing students with a hands-on learning experience.
      • Teachers often organize viewing sessions and discuss the science behind eclipses.

    5. Scientific Research:

      • Scientists and researchers may use eclipses as opportunities to conduct studies and experiments, gathering valuable data during these rare events.

    6. Cultural and Folklore Significance:

      • Eclipses hold cultural significance in many societies, and various traditions and folklore are associated with these celestial events.
      • Cultural celebrations, rituals, and gatherings may take place around eclipses.

    7. Media Coverage:

      • Eclipses receive extensive media coverage, with news outlets reporting on the event and providing information on how to safely observe it.
      • Documentaries and special programs about eclipses may be aired on television.

    8. Citizen Science Projects:

      • Some eclipse events involve citizen science initiatives where the public can contribute observations and data, aiding scientific research.


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    chris jordan
    printing
    Quickprinting
    Abu Dhabi
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  • 8.  RE: What kinds of eclipse excitement have you seen popping up around you?

    Posted 05-03-2026 17:27
    Edited by Maria Glen 05-07-2026 11:58

    That's such a fun idea, and I actually have the same issue when it comes to figuring out creative ways to build excitement around events like this. It can be surprisingly hard to come up with something that's both eye-catching and shareable, but the giant cow with eclipse glasses is a perfect example of how a simple visual can get people engaged and talking. I've been trying to think of ways to create that same kind of buzz something interactive or photo-friendly that encourages people to participate rather than just observe.

    I'm also curious what others have seen working well, especially in terms of attracting a broader audience beyond the usual crowd. It actually reminds me a bit of the marketing style used for Bentley hire Dubai experiences. Luxury car rental companies there often create attention not just by showing the car itself, but by building an experience around it photo opportunities, dramatic displays, themed backdrops, and social-media-friendly moments that make people want to stop, interact, and share. Things like themed installations, live demonstrations, or even small take-home items tied to the eclipse could be interesting, but it's tough to know what really sticks with people. I'd love to hear more ideas or examples from others, because I'm trying to solve the same challenge of making an event feel memorable and exciting.



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    Maria Glen
    Title
    Maria Glenn
    San Ysidro CA
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  • 9.  RE: What kinds of eclipse excitement have you seen popping up around you?

    Posted 05-04-2026 09:05

    I have a pair of giant eclipse viewer glasses (exactly like the ones in the pictures above). They are branded with our museum logo but you could put yours over it. I also have 2 - 3 giant multi person viewers . You would have to pay for shipping but if anyone wants them please let me know. They are all from the 2024 total eclipse but the solar viewing paper should not yet be expired. Pictured below. 

    Kelli



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    Kelli Debikey
    Education Director
    WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
    Bloomington IN
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    Original Message