SY014-0004
SEE: The 2017 Solar Eclipse Excursion, Mt. San Antonio College Edition

Tuesday, 8 December 2020
Poster
Mark D Boryta1, Heather P Jones1, Elizabeth Lawlor2, Craig Webb1, Michael Hood1, Julie Bray-Ali1 and Jessica Draper1, (1)Mt San Antonio College, Earth Sciences and Astronomy, Walnut, CA, United States, (2)Mt San Antonio College, Biological Sciences/Anthropology, Walnut, CA, United States
Abstract:
Mt. SAC is a large single-campus two-year college in the greater Los Angeles area. Our Department of Earth Sciences and Astronomy has a strong education and outreach program that includes a busy planetarium and astronomical observatory. Four Mt SAC faculty and staff led a group of 19 students to Krupp Scout Hollow (KSH; Rigby, Idaho) to view the 2017 Solar Eclipse.

Our 7-day trip was designed to be affordable and educational for students. With college support for vehicles and gas we were able to keep costs down to $160 per student, using department telescopes and camping gear. We camped in low-cost areas including National Parks, and everyone took part in cooking meals at the campsite.

We attracted students by offering a program of geological adventure and cultural significance in addition to the eclipse experience. Geology and Anthropology faculty researched and planned excursions along the trek to and from the final eclipse destination. Students who attended got training in telescope operating to prepare for the eclipse and to facilitate viewing by the public. Astronomers planned activities for the 800+ drop-in guests during the event. KSH arranged for other groups to be present; e.g., NASA meteorologists carefully measured the drop in temperature (11°C!) as a function of eclipse. We were able to live-stream the entire eclipse, including footage from our solar telescope, back to our Planetarium, where another 4000+ students and community members were able to participate.

We have already begun planning a similar excursion for the 2024 eclipse. We suggest looking for and securing a viable spot far ahead of time – one with the least chance of rain/cloudy weather for that time of year. Check on electrical and internet connections, parking, bathroom and cooking facilities for your group. Allow participants to take part as much as possible in planning meals, duties, travel, etc. Plan too for an exponential surge in interest and applicants close to the event!

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