The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA) will be hosting a special presentation on the upcoming total solar eclipse that will be visible in adjoining states of Indiana and Ohio in 2024. This free educational event will take place on Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m. in the Meijer Theater at GRPM.
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.”
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, could be the most widely observed total solar eclipse in history.
The March 16 event is free to attend and open to the public. However, registration is required. Interested individuals can register for free at tickets.grpm.org.
