On April 8th, Executive Director Ryan Haupt of the National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy) in Tucker County hosted a solar eclipse event outside of Davis. The event welcomed around 450 attendees throughout the day, including students from local schools, homeschoolers, and other visitors.
Students engaged in a variety of activities during the event, such as viewing the eclipse through homemade pinhole cameras, participating in a planetarium show, and creating science projects in the MakerSpace. One of the highlights of the event was students working with George Hebb of The Computer Shop to use a laser engraver to cut out eyeholes for eclipse glasses on paper plate sun masks that they had designed.
During the event, Dr. Ryan Haupt gave a talk on women in STEM featuring Katherine Johnson, a West Virginian. Attendees were also able to enjoy astronaut snacks provided by local producers. The event was organized by the Tucker County Family Support Center, with special thanks to the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium and the Parker Solar Probe for their support in funding and providing eclipse glasses.
According to Ryan Haupt, solar eclipses offer a unique opportunity to connect with the vastness of the universe and share in a moment of awe with others. This event allowed the local community to come together and experience this cosmic event in a meaningful way. The success of the event was a testament to