Thousands Experience the Solar Eclipse at LPI Viewing Events

LPI held two Eclipse Over Houston viewing events for the public on August 21 from noon–2 p.m. at Levy Park Conservancy and Clear Lake City – Harris County Freeman Branch Library. 

On that historic day, the Moon passed directly between the Earth and sun, casting the Moon’s shadow on the continental United States from coast to coast for more than 90 minutes. This was the first total solar eclipse visible over the U.S. since 1981 and the first since 1918 to be seen coast to coast, nearly 100 years ago. Nearly 6000 spectators in the Houston area came out to witness the partial solar eclipse at Levy Park and Freeman Branch Library. Houstonians were treated to nearly 66 percent of the sun being covered by the Moon. The eclipse began at 11:46 a.m. local time and the maximum coverage peaked at 1:16 p.m.

Dr. Katie Robinson, LPI Postdoctoral Fellow, and Yolanda Ballard, LPI Education and Public Engagement Coordinator, answer questions and provide information to visitors at Levy Park.

Scientists and educators from the LPI were on hand to answer questions about the eclipse and the solar system. NASA’s live broadcast of the solar eclipse in the path of totality was also shown. Safe, solar viewing glasses were distributed at both locations. Binoculars or telescopes were also available for close up viewing of the eclipse. LPI and the Freeman Branch Library staff showed visitors how to make eclipse viewers using cereal boxes. The Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate brought Moon samples.

Winning artwork was displayed during the Aug. 21 solar eclipse events at both Levy Park and the Harris County - Freeman Branch Library featuring visual and literary art by adults and children. The Freeman Branch Library will have the winning entries on display until November 2017.

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Eclipse Over Houston