Eclipse Ambassadors
Eclipse Ambassadors together with the ASP,
gave a boost to science literacy
The NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassadors off the Path program was wildly successful in 2023. Getting more than 700 Ambassadors prepared to share the awe and science of an annular eclipse in 2023, followed by a total eclipse in 2024 has been exhilarating. Partnerships primarily consisted of an undergraduate student with an eclipse enthusiast/amateur astronomer.
From recruiting, partnering, and training Ambassadors to shipping toolkits and badges and seeing the events the partners are holding, a small but mighty team at the ASP worked hard bringing all the pieces together.
At schools, libraries, parks, and community centers, Eclipse Ambassadors reached more than 200,000 people through the April 8 Eclipse, and a majority of efforts focused on underserved audiences.
Often intergenerational, partnerships led to great learning and friendships, including Ambassadors Khady and Dan.
Eclipse Ambassadors Khady and Dan
Share Their Story
“Thank YOU, particularly whoever paired me with Khady, now I have another granddaughter, you guys are awesome! I’ve got to let you know how impactful your program has been for me and for my partner. This partnership has been life changing on both sides and we are now holding events as an extended family twice a month on average. We will always be grateful for this and for all you have done and continue doing.”
- Dan, Eclipse Ambassador
Ambassadors Khady and Dan present in TX
Image courtesy of Dan Roy 2024
“You might not believe it but I am so grateful for last evening; it brought tears to my eyes. The gift of knowledge is the best gift one could ever give any one and you have given me it, ways to expand it and find it and for that, I am eternally grateful! Anyway, I wanted to express my gratitude to you and your wife and for all of your guys' support.”
- Khady, Eclipse Ambassador to Dan
Eclipse Ambassador Engagement Event for
2023 Solar Annular Eclipse
Eclipse Ambassadors and ASP Staff in Ely Texas, October 17, 2023
In preparation for the October 14 Solar Annular Eclipse, ASP staff Tony Smith and Shanil Virani joined museum Exploratorium filming in Ely, Nevada joined by invited Eclipse Ambassadors to plan and host a public engagement event during the eclipse.
Smith and Virani shared their experience in an ASP Members AstroBeat article, “Public Engagement in Nevada for October’s Annular Solar Eclipse.”
AstroBeat October/November 2023, Issue No. 191 By Tony Smith and Shanil Virani