GREENWOOD Dist. — The Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE) is set to collaborate with NASA scientists in hosting a remarkable total solar eclipse event on April 8, right in the heart of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. The event promises an awe-inspiring experience as the eclipse’s totality graces the skies from 1:45 to 1:50 p.m., nestled within the broader viewing window stretching from 12:25 to 3 p.m.
A total solar eclipse is a rare celestial event where the moon completely covers the sun, plunging the area into temporary darkness and revealing the sun’s corona in a breathtaking display of cosmic beauty. On Monday, April 8, 2024 parts of Oklahoma will be in direct totality.
Open to the public — attendees will have the opportunity to witness this celestial marvel with eclipse glasses provided for safe viewing. Moreover, participants can immerse themselves in engaging STEM activities while researchers conduct a full-scale balloon flight campaign, adding an educational dimension to the event.
NASA, Oklahoma State University and Choctaw Nation’s Celestial Event Preparations
As part of the preparations, Oklahoma State University student teams specializing in engineering and atmospheric science tracks will play pivotal roles. The engineering teams will employ innovative balloon systems to live stream video feeds directly to the NASA Eclipse website, offering real-time glimpses of the phenomenon.
Concurrently, the atmospheric science teams will launch helium-filled weather balloons equipped with radiosondes to gather crucial data on atmospheric perturbations throughout the eclipse’s progression.
Solar Eclipse Celebration Epicenter
The Choctaw Nation Community Center, located at 1346 E. Martin Luther King Dr. in Broken Bow, will serve as the focal point for this celestial celebration.
Throughout the weekend of April 6th to 8th, OAIRE will conduct flight campaigns in southeastern Oklahoma, augmenting weather forecasting models and enhancing scientific understanding during the solar eclipse.
Balloon launches for data collection are scheduled overnight, while public activities will be available during the event.
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NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Distinguished scientists from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center will join forces with OAIRE researchers to maximize the observational potential of the eclipse. They will be on-site and available to interact with attendees from 1 to 4 p.m. daily during the weekend of April 6-8. Notably, this event marks the first full total eclipse to traverse the United States since 2017, promising a rare and unforgettable experience for all participants.
For enthusiasts of astronomy, science, and the curious at heart, the solar eclipse event in Broken Bow presents an exceptional opportunity to witness the wonders of the universe firsthand, while contributing to cutting-edge research initiatives in collaboration with leading experts in the field.
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