USD Physics Club and Student Services to Host Local Eclipse-Viewing Event on April 8

The Physics Club and Student Services at the University of South Dakota (USD) are planning an eclipse-viewing event on April 8, 2024. Sasha Lukina, a USD physics student, is leading the project, supported by the NASA Partner Ambassador Program and the South Dakota Space Grant. The main event will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on the Muenster University Center lawn, with peak viewing at 1:55 p.m. The physics department will offer free eclipse glasses and space-themed snacks.

Lukina, also South Dakota’s student ambassador for the NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassador program, has been encouraged to involve the public and groups often underrepresented in astronomy. As a Physics Club member, she contacted Student Services to help organize the event.

Lukina appreciated the collaboration, highlighting the Physics Club students' eclipse knowledge and the Student Services faculty's expertise in student engagement and event planning. She was pleased with the enthusiasm shown by various people and organizations towards the eclipse and their joint effort to engage the community.

Besides the viewing event, an eclipse information session will be held on April 4 in the Muenster University Center. The session, open to students, faculty, staff, and community members, will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Physics Club students will share eclipse information through demonstrations and activities.

Lukina sees the event as a chance for informal learning and science engagement. She hopes the event will answer participants' questions and help them connect with the eclipse.

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