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In the Path of Totality

Plymouth State University students and faculty joined teams from 75 participating institutions as part of the NASA Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project. The goal of this NASA grant was to broaden engagement of students in STEM activities through a NASA mission-like adventure in data acquisition and analysis through scientific ballooning during the October 14, 2023 annular and April 8, 2024 total solar eclipses. Our two student teams were strategically comprised of a range of majors: meteorology, climate studies, art, and political science. Through these diverse majors, students were exposed to STEM + Art and added to the project in unique and creative ways. In addition to the 30-hour ballooning campaign, students focused on capturing the eclipse visually, through photography, video, and art. After many hours of learning and practice, the teams traveled to Moriarty, New Mexico for the annular eclipse and Pittsburg, New Hampshire for the total eclipse. This exhibition brings together the scientific and artistic research outcomes of the students and faculty involved in the project.