Cloudy with a Chance of Eclipse: Johnson Celebrates Stellar Event
The team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center refused to let unfavorable weather conditions stop them from experiencing the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Johnson employees joined with friends and family in abundant excitement at the Teague Auditorium to witness an awe-inspiring eclipse over the Lone Star state.
For the first time in more than two centuries, the Moon’s shadow crossed over the continental United States, allowing most of the country to view the solar eclipse with varying degrees of coverage right from their backyards. Here at Johnson, employees and guests were able to view the total solar eclipse with close to 95% totality.
Johnson employees and their families were invited to come together for this stellar event, where they learned about NASA’s Artemis lunar rover VIPER that will explore the South Pole of the Moon, interacted with NASA’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program’s Artemis tools engaged in family-friendly activities with NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement.
They also joined Center Director Vanessa Wyche, Associate Director Donna Shafer, and NASA astronaut Mike Fincke in writing good luck notes for the crew members of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT) - Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams – ahead of their launch to the International Space Station on May 6, 2024. Before signing a banner and between personal meet and greets with appreciative attendees, Fincke shared his admiration for the significant turnout and how inspired he felt by the outpouring of support for the Boeing CFT mission.
The estimated 2,500 attendees also enjoyed a cosmos-themed playlist, unique giveaways, and treats from local food trucks, including Magnolia, Cool Cow, and Fuego.
NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke, Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche, and Johnson Associate Center Director Donna Shafer take part in signing NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test banner to show their support for the upcoming mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/James Blair
In Kerrville, Texas, NASA participated in an eclipse festival that was held within the path of totality. An estimated 1,500 individuals had the opportunity to visit NASA’s Driven to Explore mobile exhibit to interact with space food and spacesuit hardware, and to learn about the International Space Station. While the eclipse stole the show, visitors also had the chance to meet Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, who enthusiastically took photos and signed autographs while sharing the progress of Artemis.
Amidst the celebrations on Earth, NASA astronauts Tracy C. Dyson and Jenette Epps donned eclipse glasses to witness this astronomical event from their vantage point nearly 260 miles above the planet aboard the orbiting laboratory.
Scroll to hear their unique perspectives on the solar eclipse.
Enjoy more images below from Johnson’s celestial event.
