1D-4 - Results of AAS Community Driven Efforts to Host and Celebrate Eclipse Events

Abstract: We share the results of two large community driven AAS efforts to support hosting of eclipse events as well as celebrating successes and lessons learned. Through an NSF-funded award, the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force was able to fund 35 proposals through the Jay M. Pasachoff solar eclipse mini-grant program. Events were hosted before, during, and after the 2024 eclipse by schools, museums, churches, libraries, universities, observatories, and other foundations and organizations. Together the program engaged thousands of visitors across the country through a variety of community science and other events. In addition, the Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society solicited, received, and published in March 2024 33 papers in the first special issue of Celebrating the Wonder of Science in the Shadow, a community driven publication to celebrate past eclipses and prepare for future ones. Each issue includes peer-reviewed and non-peer- reviewed submissions, personal reflections, descriptions of activities, science investigations, resources for engagement, and resources for safely viewing eclipses. Submissions for the second issue occurred during the summer of 2024 and submissions for additional special issues are being solicited now through the winter of 2025. Both efforts are completely volunteer driven.