Abstract: Solar eclipses provide a unique opportunity for engagement and outreach events to help foster interest in science amongst the lay populace. The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 was no different, allowing for scientific concepts to be effectively communicated in several unique and novel ways. In particular, the eclipse provided an avenue for scientists and science communicators to understand better the environmental and societal impacts of solar eclipses, taking advantage of the unique circumstances of this rare celestial occurrence. In addition to various “citizen science” projects— including amateur telescopic observations, pinhole projections, and meteorological data gathering— the celestial mechanics at play during the eclipse also provided a unique opportunity to interact with members of the public and understand what drives them to seek out such an event.
As a result, the eclipse provided a way to engage the public and to understand why people chose to view this eclipse, how their past experiences may have influenced both their decision-making process and general understanding of the event, and how their overall experience the day of compared to any expectations they may have had. These interactions— whether through surveys, hands-on demonstrations and activities, or everyday conversations— helped to inform the best ways to communicate science in an accessible manner.
These accounts from the public— coupled with the science achieved by both citizen scientists and professional researchers— therefore provide both scientists and science communicators with vital information to help spread the word and engage the public more effectively about future solar eclipses, including those of August 2026 and August 2027 in Europe and of August 2044 and August 2045 in North America.
