The National Space Society invites you to the next Space Forum
Thursday, March 7, 2024, 9:00 pm to 10:15 pm EST
Maximizing Your Solar Eclipse Experience
with
Jim Plaxco
President, Chicago Society for Space Studies
NSS Space Ambassador
Are you ready for an astronomical adventure? The “Great North American Eclipse,” that will occur on April 8, 2024, will trace a narrow path of totality across 13 U.S. states. The solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean and cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It will start on Mexico’s Pacific coast and move through the United States from Texas to Maine, then continue through the maritime provinces of Canada. The duration of totality can vary widely within the same city, with some cities only partially within the path of totality. Skywatchers along the path of totality will experience up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds of total darkness.
Whether you are in the path of totality, or along the fringes of the eclipse, this space forum will provide you with the background you need to ensure you can get the most out of this rare celestial event. Jim Plaxco, President of the Chicago Society for Space Studies and an NSS Space Ambassador, will talk on the history and science of eclipses and discuss the upcoming eclipse and observing options.
Jim’s presentation will touch on the following topics:
- An introductory history to solar eclipses
- Noteworthy features of a solar eclipse
- The science associated with solar eclipses
- The geometry behind solar eclipses
- Viewing the April total eclipse
- Eclipse viewing options
- Sources for further information
Embrace the celestial wonders and make this solar eclipse a moment to remember! Don’t miss this informative and timely space forum. Reserve your spot today using the link below!
Note: The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026 and pass through the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. The next total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States will occur on August 23, 2044, but it will only touch three states – Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.
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Jim Plaxco is a digital artist and computing professional who has been a space activist since the mid-80’s when he became a member of the National Space Institute. He has served as the Director of Information Systems for the National Space Society. He is also the Webmaster, a Director, and President of the Chicago Society for Space Studies. Mr. Plaxco also created the CSSS Speakers Bureau. He additionally serves as a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador, a National Space Society Space Ambassador, and the National Space Society Space Ambassador’s Economics Subject Matter Expert.
Mr. Plaxco has previously served as both a director and a Vice President of the National Space Society and as both a Director and a Vice President of the Planetary Studies Foundation. He has been a judge in a variety of space art contests, including art contests sponsored by NASA. He also served as the manager of the Enterprise in Space Orbiter Design Contest and as the National Space Society Space Settlement Art Contest.
Register today to reserve your seat and ask your questions. Use the link below.
Register no later than March 7 at 8 pm EST
