Eclipse 2024

Neurocosmic Curiosity and What it Was Like to Witness a Total Eclipse (On my Birthday!)

• Speakers: Dr. Jennifer Bremser and Dr. Andrew Christy
• Location: Alumni Conference Room
• Available on Zoom: https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/93090116877
• Time: 9 – 9:50 a.m.

Discover the neuroscience of curiosity and its intersection with cosmic exploration with Dr. Bremser. Hear Dr. Christy’s first-hand account highlighting some of the emotional and interpersonal dimensions of the experience of seeing an eclipse in Wyoming in 2017 (on his birthday!).

The Sky of our Ancestors: A Practical and Religious Guide

• Speaker: Dr. Margarita Garcia-Notario
• Location: Cardinal Lounge
• Time: 9 – 9:50 a.m.

The sky was carefully observed by early civilizations and represented an indispensable guide for human survival and spiritual answers. Ancient mythologies reveal the transcendent importance that the celestial beings had for our ancestors.

“Growing Bigger in the Bigness of the Whole”: When Nature Goes Beyond Our Control

• Speaker: Glenn McClure
• Location: Alumni Conference Room
• Available on Zoom: https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/93516960513
• Time: 10 – 10:50 a.m.

How do we humans respond to forces beyond our control? After a perilous, two-year rescue mission in Antarctica, Ernest Shackleton said that his team had “grown bigger in the bigness of the whole.”

Composer and scholar Glenn McClure will explore our responses of fear, faith, beauty, courage, mystery, violence, and power to the natural forces that exceed our ability to command. The upcoming eclipse imposes an array of questions around the shared experience of an unstoppable force of nature. Glenn will unpack these intersectional questions with humanities texts, music, and his experiences with the National Science Foundation in Antarctica.

Glenn McClure has served on the music and humanities faculties of the Eastman School of Music/University of Rochester, SUNY Geneseo, and Paul Smith’s College. His recent work in arts-based science communication has included the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, the European Space Agency Rosetta Mission, Hawai’i Volcanos National Park, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program.

Celestial Fusion

• Artist: Drew Goerlitz, sculptor
• Location: The podium overlooking the sculpture yard
• Time: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Witness an aluminum and bronze performance pour which commemorates the eclipse. This immersive experience intertwines the elements of art, science and the cosmos. The artwork cast will commemorate the significant moment in time where the moon blocks the light from the sun.

The Father of Space Art: Chesley Knight Bonestell (1888–1986)

• Location: Slatkin Study Room, 2nd Floor Myers Fine Arts Building
• Time: 12:20 – 1:20 p.m.

American pioneer of space art who helped popularize manned space travel.

Celebrating the Path to Totality with Rockwell Kent Mini-Exhibit

• Location: Outside of Burke Gallery, 2nd Floor Myers Fine Arts Building
• Time: 12:20 – 1:20 p.m.

Darkness & Light — A Community Art Exhibition

• Location: Feinberg Library, 2nd Floor (Also at the Strand, downtown Plattsburgh.)
• Time: 12:20 – 1:20 p.m.

Star Chasers of Senegal

• Location: Yokum 208
• Time: 12:20 – 1:20 p.m.

Viewing of a NOVA episode about a visionary astronomer in West Africa who attempts a high-stakes observation of a distant asteroid vital to a NASA mission. From prehistoric ruins to Islamic skywatchers, explore the heritage and future of African astronomy.

Writing Activist Poetry from Dark to Light

• Speaker: Aimée Baker
• Location: Alumni Conference Room, ACC
• Available on Zoom: https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/96688692864
• Time: 1:30 – 2:20 p.m.

This session is brought to you by the SUNY Plattsburgh Title IX Office

Award-winning poet and host of the true crime podcast “She Goes by Jane,” Aimée Baker will host a discussion on how the themes of light and dark appear in her poetry and give short readings from poems as illustrations. Participants will then be led through a short poetry writing exercise building from concepts of light/dark. Content warning: violence against women, drug use, sex work.

Total Eclipse of the Plot: The Symbolic Significance of Eclipses in “Avatar: The Last Airbender”

• Speaker: Regan Levitte
• Location: Cardinal Lounge, ACC
• Time: 1:30 – 2:20 p.m.

An exploration of the significance of lunar and solar eclipses in the popular show “Avatar: The Last Airbender” will lead into a further discussion of celestial symbolism, and the application of this framework to other media forms that include eclipses.

“Love is light, no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest.”

• Speaker: Chahbaz Azarkadeh
• Location: Yokum 208
• Time: 1:30 – 2:20 p.m.

A student was told by another student that because of her (different) background she was avoiding her and not talking to her. We explore together how this darkness may be changed into light, this prejudice and hatred into fellowship and love.

The Final Frontier? The Politics of the New Space Race

• Speakers: John McMahon (SUNY Plattsburgh), Désirée Weber (College of Wooster), Sid Simpson (Sewanee)
• Location: Alumni Conference Room, ACC
• Available on Zoom: https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/93239250204
• Time: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

In a time where national space agencies, private firms, and public-private partnerships drive a vast increase in the resources, capabilities, and interest in space travel and exploration, what are the political forces driving this new space race? In this presentation, we analyze the ideologies and political economy fueling the quickening pace of space exploration today. We are wary of the political trajectory of the new space race, and we also think space is cool; come join us to make sense of the totality of it all.

Eclipsed Voices in STEM

• Speakers: Dr. Rajesh Sunasee and Dr. Meg Valentine
• Location: Cardinal Lounge, ACC
• Time: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Throughout history, there are numerous examples of STEM innovators whose achievements and discoveries were ignored or minimized (or worse) because of their marginalized status in society. This panel/presentation celebrates their achievements using the theme of the eclipse as a metaphor for light returning to those once left in the dark.

Discovering the Mechanics of the Solar System

• Speaker: Dr. Jan Plaza
• Location: Yokum 208
• Time: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

A narrative of discovery, focusing on selected milestones in the history of humanity's understanding of celestial mechanics (Aristarchus, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Tycho, Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Lagrange, discovery of Neptune, Einstein, Eddington).

"The sun was going, and the world was wrong": A Poetry Reading from American Eclipse (Three Mile Harbor Press, 2023)

• Speaker: Kateri Kosek
• Location: Alumni Room
• Available on Zoom: https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/97905714018
• Time: 3:40 – 4:10 p.m.

With Annie Dillard's revered essay “Total Eclipse” in mind, poet Kateri Kosek explores variations on the theme of eclipse, both literal and metaphorical. More about Kosek and the book at katerikosek.com.

What Makes a Good Eclipse Joke?

• Speakers: Dr. Ken Podolak and Dr. Michael Walters
• Location: Alumni Conference Room
• Available on Zoom: https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/97905714018

This presentation and interactive workshop explores what makes a joke funny and asks the audience to help with telling eclipse jokes.

Reception for Totality Conference & this is how we walk on the moon

• Location: Myers Fine Arts Lobby
• Time: 5 – 7 p.m.

Join us for a special reception as the Totality Conference comes to a close and get ready for a special original theatre presentation this is how we walk on the moon, inspired by the eclipse and all things outer space.

Planetarium Events

All Eclipse Night — Watch the show “Totality” to learn about eclipses and why they happen and stay for a solar filter workshop. Kid friendly activities.

• Friday, Mar. 29 from 6 – 9 p.m.
• Two Shows: Saturday Mar. 30 from 2 – 5 p.m. and 6 – 9 p.m.
• Two Shows: Saturday, Apr. 6 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 5 p.m.

Visit The Northcountry Planetarium Facebook for more information.

Art Exhibits

Darkness & Light is a community art exhibition open to everyone. Pieces for the darkness theme will be exhibited at the Strand Center for the Arts and pieces for the light theme will be exhibited at SUNY Plattsburgh.

• Show runs April 5-27
• Opening Reception: Darkness — Friday, Apr. 5 from 5-8 p.m., Strand Center Gallery
• Opening Reception: Light — Saturday, Apr. 6 from 4-6 p.m., Feinberg Library

Celebrating the Path to Totality with Rockwell Kent Mini-Exhibit — Ongoing exhibit, outside of Burke Gallery, 2nd floor Myers Fine Arts Building. View details about the Kent mini exhibit

The Father of Space Art: Chesley Knight Bonestell: Reception & Film Screening — Exhibit runs Mar. 26 – May 18 with a special free reception and documentary screening on Sunday, Apr. 7 at 1:30 p.m. in Yokum 200. View Bonestell event information

Music & Theater

this is how we walk on the moon is an original performance piece inspired by the total eclipse and all things outer space. Explore your love of outer space, astronauts and a trip to the moon and beyond in preparation for the cosmic event of a lifetime.

• Join us for a special reception at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 5 in the Myers Fine Arts Building lobby.
• Performances Thursday, April 4; Friday, April 5; Saturday, April 6
• Learn more about this performance

Convergence: Eclipse-themed Music Showcase — Presented by the SUNY Plattsburgh Department of Music. Features symphonic band, jazz ensemble, gospel choir, concert choir and more from the music department and community.

• Sunday, Apr. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Giltz Auditorium
• Learn more about this musical performance

Talks

SETI talk: “Nature's Cosmic Coincidence: The April 8 total solar Eclipse” with Dr. Simon Steel, Deputy Director of the Carl Sagan Center for Research

• Apr. 8 at 11 a.m.
• Ward Hall room 110 and also on Zoom: https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/93077937849

At the very moment this presentation begins, the Moon’s shadow will be racing towards North America at 2000 mph. Total eclipses are a stunning bucket list experience, but the fact they happen at all is one of nature’s most amazing coincidences. We will talk about the history of eclipses, why they are common and rare at the same time, and what they can teach us about the nature of our very own star, the Sun.

Dr. Simon Steel is an astronomer at the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California. He received his Ph.D. in observational astrophysics studying star formation and galaxies, and was a lecturer in astronomy at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Massachusetts before joining the SETI Institute.

Tuesday Reflection: Eclipse 2024 “In the Shadows and Beyond: Awe’s Potential for Awakening our Better Selves” — A day prior to this conversation, our community will have experienced a total solar eclipse. Research points to such moments as inspiring awe in viewers. But what, exactly, is that emotion, and how does it impact us?

This presentation will provide a brief overview of the growing body of research about awe and its potential benefits, as well as some of the work currently underway at SUNY Plattsburgh and other colleges across the country. Finally, it will offer up some of the ways that this research might be used to better ourselves, our campus and our communities.

• Presenters: Michelle M. Ouellette, APR; Dr. Andrew Christy; Kim McCoy Coleman, LMSW-ATR; Christine Parmeter
• Apr. 9 at 4:30 p.m.
• Cardinal Lounge and Zoom: https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/91235068924

Eclipse Calendar

Rock the Red and Your Eclipse Glasses! 

SUNY Plattsburgh students, faculty and staff are invited to Hawkins Pond to celebrate and view the total solar eclipse. Student glasses will be provided on location. Event starts at 2 p.m.

Food Drive

Upward Bound is excited to partner with the Clinton County Health Department for an Eclipse Day Food Drive.

• Items needed include: Canned goods, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy.
• Drop-off Location: Upward Bound office and bins outside of Hawkins Hall

After Party

Join us for the eclipse after party at Burghy’s Den with musician and SUNY Plattsburgh alumna Sarah Mitchell.

• Time: 5–8 p.m.
• Location: Burghy‘s Den, ACC

Public Events & Viewing

While the campus is open to the public, the university is not in a position to host large groups and provide necessary amenities. However, there are multiple places from which individuals or small groups could view totality, including our athletics Field House. Parking is available there, as well as in Lots 27 and 28 on campus map.

There are sites around the Plattsburgh area that are actively planning for visitors. Please visit The Adirondack Coast for eclipse events and viewing information.

Learn about safe viewing of the eclipse

Dr. Kate Russo — “The Wow of Eclipses: Delving Deep into the Totality Experience”

Come hear Dr. Kate Russo, founder of Being in the Shadow, discuss her research and experiences of eclipses and awe. Kate will also share her insights and advice on preparing for your first-time total solar eclipse experience. Dr. Russo will join us via Zoom from Australia. Introduction by Michelle Ouellette.

• Date & Time: February 16, 2024 from 5 – 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Live viewing at 106 Hudson Hall and via Zoom
• Watch Webinar Recording

Dr. Kate Russo is an author, psychologist, and eclipse chaser; and founder of Being in the Shadow. Kate has now seen 13 total solar eclipses from 11 countries in her 24 years of chasing, and will be an eclipse chaser for life. She has published three books on the experience of totality, leads niche eclipse tours and is in demand in the media and as a speaker due to her passionate sharing of the awe and wonder of totality. She also plays a leadership role in helping communities prepare for totality, and is a member of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Solar Eclipse Task Force.

K. Renee Horton, Ph.D. — “A Squiggly Path to Happiness Totality” & “You, Me & STEM” K. Renee Horton, Ph.D.

“Hearing impaired, Black, physicist, mother of three, that’s who I am, that’s who I be, but that’s not everything.”

Watch Dr. Horton’s Campus Presentation

Public Lecture, “A Squiggly Path to Happiness Totality”

• Date & Time: November 9, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Campus Lecture, “You, Me, and STEM”

• Date & Time: November 10, 2023 from 9 – 9:50 a.m.

Dr. K. Renee Horton currently serves as the Space Launch System (SLS) quality engineer in the NASA Residential Management Office at Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans. She worked for NASA, first as a student from 2009–2011 and then started her career as a mechanical test engineer in 2012.

Renee has been an invited speaker for the first International Women and Girls Day at the United Nations, Essence Power Stage, March for Science – New Orleans and recently the LSU Engineering Spring Commencement. She has spoken all over the world including South Africa, Brazil, South Korea, Canada, Mexico and the beautiful Virgin Islands. She is the author of Dr. H Explores the Universe, Dr. H and her Friends, and Dr. H Explores the ABCs.

Above: Dr. Horton giving a lecture on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus

Above: Dr. Horton stands in front of a mural in downtown Plattsburgh honoring Michael Anderson, African American astronaut who was born at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base and later was one of six crew members killed in the Columbia space shuttle disaster in 2003.

David Levy, Ph.D. — “The Poetry of the Night Sky” David Levy, Ph.D.

Public Lecture: “The Poetry of the Night Sky”

• Date & Time: October 13, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Partial Eclipse

• Date & Time: October 14, 2023 from noon to 3 p.m.

Image: Dr. Levy at Hawkins Pond

One of the most enthusiastic and famous amateur astronomers of our time. Although he has never taken a class in astronomy, he has written over three dozen books, has written for three astronomy magazines and has appeared o television programs featured on the Discovery and Science channels.

Among David’s accomplishments are 23 comet discoveries, the most famous being Shoemaker-Levy 9 that collided with Jupiter in 1994, a few hundred shared asteroid discoveries, an Emmy for the documentary Three Minutes to Impact, five honorary doctorates in science (one from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2005) and a Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2010) which combines astronomy and English Literature. David continues to hunt for comets and asteroids and lectures worldwide.

An astronomical eclipse (either partial or total) occurs when one celestial body, such as a planet or a moon, moves into the shadow of another celestial body; thus, its light appears temporarily obscured from an observer’s perspective.

A solar eclipse occurs when the new moon passes between the Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light as its shadow crosses over a portion of the Earth’s surface.  

A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon passes through the Earth’s shadow and its illumination is temporarily diminished.

During a total solar eclipse, the track of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface is referred to as the path of totality. Although this path may be some 16,000 kilometers (~10,000 miles) long, its width is quite narrow, between 100 to 275 kilometers (~60 to 170 miles) wide. For an observer to experience a total solar eclipse, they must be within the track of the moon’s shadow track — in other words, on the path of totality.

• Great American Eclipse — View detailed maps and posters of the eclipse’s path in the United States
• National Eclipse — View Google maps of the eclipse’s path in the United States and see cities within the Path of Totality.
• Time & Date  — View eclipse animation and time and date statistics for Plattsburgh-specific eclipse viewing.

Map of New York state, the path of totality and corresponding times of darkness is used with permission: Michael Zeiler, GreatAmericanEclipse.com. Plattsburgh, N.Y. will see three minutes and thirty-five seconds of darkness.

• American Society of the Pacific — An international non-profit scientific and educational organization that works to increase understanding and appreciation of astronomy.
• American Astronomical Society — Resources from the American Astronomical Society with information about eclipses, safe viewing practices, images, video, and resources for educators.
• NASA Eclipse — NASA studies solar eclipses on the ground, in our atmosphere and in space. General resources for safety, science, history.
• NASA Eclipse April 8, 2024 — Resources for the April 2024 eclipse
• NASA Grand List — Grand list of eclipses and historical data
• Great American Eclipse — Information, maps, photos, videos related to all types of eclipses around the world.
• National Eclipse — A resource to help people understand, appreciate and experience the solar eclipse phenomenon.

• NASA — Eclipse-related activities for all age groups
• Scholastic — Seven activities to get kids excited for the solar eclipse

Severe eye injury may be sustained without specialized protective eye wear during eclipse viewing.

Graphic above: When to wear eclipse glasses during a total solar eclipse: Before totality, it is important to have safety eclipse glasses on. During totality, you may remove your glasses. After totality, you must put safety glasses back on to look at the sun.

When viewing a solar eclipse, you must wear specialized protective eye wear when looking directly into the sun — sunglasses will not protect your eyes during eclipse viewing. During the short period of totality, it is safe to look directly at the sun, but it’s crucial to know when to put your eclipse glasses back on.

Learn more about Eye Safety During a Solar Eclipse from NASA

The eclipse steering committee is working to plan a year of activities, lessons and programs for our campus and the local community.

• Genie Babb, associate dean, School of Arts and Sciences
• Michael Caraballo, director, Office of Emergency Management
• Kerry Chapin-Lavigne, director of alumni relations, Institutional Advancement
• Lauren Currie, internal control/risk management officer, Administration and Finance
• Julia Devine, faculty, Department of Theatre
• Michael Devine, director, Center for Area and Interdisciplinary Studies
• Hannah Downs, graphic designer, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing
• David Duprey, executive director of TRHT Center, DEI
• Bridget Haina, faculty, Department of Communication Studies
• Catherine Kaleita, environmental health and safety officer
• Lisabeth Kissner, director, Northcountry Planetarium
• Mackenzie Mainville, Chartwells
• Daniel Mariano, chief janitor 1, Facilities, Maintenance and Operations
• Isabel Martinez, student, hospitality management
• Jennifer Matott, administrative assistant, Departments of Music and Theatre
• Erin McArdell, events specialist, College Auxiliary Services
• Sarah McCarty, student activities assistant, Center for Student Involvement
• Nancy Parri, faculty, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Meg Pearson, dean, School of Arts and Sciences
• Kelley Pickreign, assistant director, Office of Academic Advising
• Ken Podolak, faculty, Department of Physics
• Amanda Prenoveau, director of conferences and events, College Auxiliary Services
• Gail Recore, parking manager, University Police
• Kelly Theisen, faculty, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry