Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory will be hosting a series of community events from April 5 to 9. Activities will include guest lectures, a NASA livestream projected onto an an 18-foot digital viewing screen, indoor planetarium visits, the opportunity to work as a citizen scientist assisting with data collection, professional solar telescopes, eclipse glasses, commemorative merchandise, children and family activities, along with food, art and music.

MAP: See an interactive solar eclipse map.

Two prominent university professors will also be on-site in the days leading up to, and during, the eclipse. Edward DeLuca, professor of solar magnetohydrodynamics at Harvard University and senior astrophysicist at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, along with Seth Redfield, professor of astronomy and director of the college of integrative sciences at Wesleyan College, will be lecturing, taking part in a panel discussion and leading some of the family activities.

Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory has been preparing for this celestial event for a number of years. Tupper Lake is within the path of totality, and close to the center of that path, offering complete darkness for 3 minutes and 33 seconds during the eclipse. Visitors to Tupper Lake, and within many areas of the Adirondacks, will witness a stunning display of the sun’s corona and darkness that accompanies totality.

According to Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory President Seth McGowan, Tupper Lake is considered by many to be one of the most prominent destinations for 2024 eclipse viewing in the Northeast.

“The combination of clear skies, the location of the sky center and its proximity to the center of the path of totality is attracting astrophysicists, professional and amateur astronomers, along with a number of astrophotographers to the community for the celestial event,” he said. “Tupper Lake is attracting many prominent scientists and professionals who have decided to make our community their ‘home base’ during the eclipse.”

While it is important to ensure that scientists have the opportunity to witness the eclipse at the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, its leadership and staff is excited to “bring the wonders of the universe to Earth for everyone,” as well as educate the public, amateur astronomers, casual eclipse enthusiasts and young people about space, the eclipse, faraway planets, galaxies and other exciting celestial events.

McGowan explained that preparing for a total solar eclipse requires a coordinated effort from the entire community.

“Our organization’s expertise has allowed us to help spearhead local planning efforts,” he said. “Not only have we been communicating with scientists at NASA and some of our elite universities, but we have also been collaborating with representatives from the village, town, library, schools, the arts center, and The Wild Center, which are all planning eclipse-related events.”

McGowan is excited that Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory will be playing such a prominent role in educating the Adirondack region, along with those throughout the Northeast.

“There’s no doubt that welcoming the scientific community to our location is incredibly exciting,” he said, “and aligning with organizations such as NASA, Harvard and Wesleyan College is certainly a thrill; however, more than anything, we are excited to provide a safe, educational, and fun experience for the local community. I truly believe that you don’t need an advanced degree to get excited about the eclipse and learn about the universe.”

McGowan is a member of the regional eclipse planning task force, assembled by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, to assist with regional planning and coordination efforts. He has been called upon to present at more than twenty community meetings regarding eclipses and the importance of community preparation throughout the Adirondack region.

Additional information about Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory and the eclipse can be found by visiting adirondackskycenter.org.