Texas Eclipses – A Multisensory Experience

The South and Central parts of Texas, including San Antonio, are in the absolutely unique position to experience two solar eclipses within the next year. On October 14, 2023 Texas will be in the path of annularity for an annular eclipse, and on April 8, 2024 will be in the path of totality for a total solar eclipse. At the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) we are partnering with our local and regional communities to maximize STEM engagement with the public. One way in which we are engaging is through NASA’s Science Activation (SciAct) Program. We are partnering with the Advanced Research in Inclusion & STEAM Accessibility (ARISA) Lab to engage the general public in accessible and inclusive science exploration alongside NASA scientists and other subject matter experts through their SciAct-funded Eclipse Soundscapes: Citizen Science Project (ES:CSP). ES:CSP is studying how solar eclipses affect life on Earth, specifically through sound. Approaching science exploration in a multisensory way creates more accessible and inclusive opportunities. Citizen Scientists are invited to learn about solar eclipses and multisensory exploration, and then apply that knowledge to observing the the eclipse in a multisensory way, collecting sound data, and then analyzing that data.