Program offers insight on upcoming solar eclipse

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Solar Eclipse Shadow From Space_NASA

The Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association will host a special presentation on the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse. This free educational event will take place on Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. in the Meijer Theater at GRPM, at 272 Pearl Street, NW.

Dave DeBruyn, Curator Emeritus of the Chaffee Planetarium at the Museum, will discuss the causes and rarity of total solar eclipses, and the unique opportunity presented by the April 8, 2024 event. WZZM Chief Meteorologist George Lessens will discuss variable weather conditions and strategies for successfully witnessing the eclipse.

“Hosting events like these at the GRPM not only illuminates the stars above us but shines a light on the GRAAA as an asset to the community,” said Jack Daleske, GRPM Planetarium Manager, “Opening these meetings to the public not only adds to the excitement of the event but also expands our reach, building awareness and growing our memberships for both the GRPM and GRAAA.”

Solar Eclipse Path Map-
Photo Credit: Michael Zeiler

DeBruyn and Lessens will offer useful tips to potential eclipse chasers, answer questions, suggest strategies for planning ahead for accommodations, and emphasize that it is not too early to start this process. If weather conditions cooperate, the April 8, 2024 eclipse, which will pass over or close to a number of major cities on April 8, 2024 could be the most widely observed total solar eclipse in history.

The March 16th event is free to attend and open to the public. However, registration is required. Interested individuals can register for free at tickets.grpm.org.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum provides ongoing administrative and financial support to the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association in operation of James C. Veen Observatory. 

The Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association is a non-profit educational and scientific organization dedicated to advancing the study of astronomy and promoting astronomy and science education to the community. Operating from the Veen Observatory in Lowell Twp, MI, the GRAAA is an organization that offers information, guidance, and memberships for anyone who is interested in astronomy. Visit graaa.org for more information.

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