Speakers: Michael Kirk (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) and John Maple (Space Telescope Science Institute)

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The shadow of the Moon traversing across North America is not only a spectacle for the eyes, but also a treasure trove for scientific inquiry.

For this event, NASA is leading a comprehensive engagement initiative that underscores the importance of science and engineering to a nationwide audience. Michael Kirk will describe how this eclipse is more than just an awe-inspiring celestial occurrence; it is a natural laboratory that allows for enhanced understanding of the complex relationship between the Sun and Earth.

Although the Hubble and Webb Space Telescopes are unable to observe the solar eclipse, the science behind an eclipse is used by these missions to make amazing discoveries. John Maple will discuss how these missions, as well as the future Roman Space Telescope, engage in those observations along with sharing resources from NASA’s Universe of Learning.

The STScI Public Lecture Series offers talks on a diverse selection of cosmic topics, typically held the first Tuesday of every month. The 2024 Public Lecture Series is continuing an online-only format. This lecture will be presented with a livestream to YouTube, and questions can be asked in the YouTube chat. As usual, the recording will also be posted on our YouTube channel. We will, as necessary, adjust from the traditional first Tuesday at 8 PM schedule to accommodate our speakers.

Live and archived recordings:

• News and introductions
• The Total Solar Eclipse of April 2024 (YouTube)