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| Paper: |
Reflecting on the Eclipse: How an Astronomical Event Can Affect a Small Town, and Lessons Learned |
| Volume: |
539, ASP 2024: Astronomy Across the Spectrum |
| Page: |
22 |
| Authors: |
Stratton, M.; Zhou, Q. |
| Abstract: |
As a part of the NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassadors and in conjunction with the ASP, we traveled to Junction, Texas for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The town of Junction has a population of roughly 2,500 and is located about 115 miles from San Antonio. It is known for its shipping and marketing of livestock, wool, pecans, and grains, and it is home to the Texas Tech University Center. Junction was one of the first US cities in the path of totality during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. The people of Junction therefore found themselves key players in a press-heavy major astronomical event, where reporters, scientists, and science communicators like ourselves converged on the town just before the eclipse. In this presentation and subsequent short paper, we examine how Junction was affected by the 2024 total solar eclipse; namely, the transient effects on the local economy, infrastructure, and society of Junction. As a case study, we consider the Texclipse Music Festival, coordinated by local Junction resident and Eclipse Ambassador Macy Brooks, which took place in Junction from April 6–8. Additionally, from Brooks' experiences as well as our own, we reflect on obstacles to outreach in rural communities. We discuss recommendations for building trust and combating fear through education, partnering with local institutions and people, and coordinating with local government. We emphasize the need to engage with and support the local culture in order to be effective science communicators in a novel environment. |
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