Throughout history and around the world, eclipses have inspired rituals, shaped beliefs and driven scientific inquiry.
Ahead of the total solar eclipse that will be viewable from parts of North America on April 8th, 2024, a panel of Indigenous scholars will shed light on the significance of eclipses in Indigenous communities and captivate the audience with inspiring star stories.
The Department of Physics & Astronomy will host the panel discussion on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 2:30 – 4:00p.m in the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery building (MDCL) room 1102.
Indigenous Perspectives – Eclipse and Star Stories will feature five guest panelists who will share their insights and findings from their research and experiences. Learn more about the panelists here.
“As we continue to work with our Indigenous colleagues on various Indigenous astronomy-related educational and outreach projects, it is important to remind ourselves that we are situated on the traditional territories and under the sky of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee Nations,” says Rob Cockcroft, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy.
“The eclipse is a great way to strengthen existing relationships and collaborations, build new ones, and inspire the next generation to learn more – and I’m excited and looking forward to learning from our amazing panelists on the 7th.”
Audience questions accepted in advance via registration form.
To save your spot please register here.
McMaster hosting educational events and eclipse viewing party
The panel is part of a series of events being held by the Department of Physics & Astronomy in the leadup to the eclipse.
Ambassadors from the department are offering opportunities to learn about this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event through a series of public talks. Learn more here.
A sold-out eclipse viewing party for McMaster students, faculty, staff, alumni and families will be held at the Ron Joyce Stadium on the afternoon of the 8th.
Other ways to take part:
Live streams
You can live stream this rare celestial event via the official NASA broadcast, Timeanddate.com and Exploratorium.
McMaster Libraries
All McMaster Libraries will be carrying a livestream of the eclipse on their digital screens on April 8, 2024.
City of Hamilton designated viewing locations
The City of Hamilton has designated six locations around the city for viewing the eclipse. Learn more here.
Enjoy from home/school/work
Look to the skies from wherever you happen to be on April 8th. Learn more about the path of totality through this Interactive Google Map from Eclipse2024.org
Learn more about how McMaster and the Department of Physics and Astronomy are marking the total solar eclipse here.