Theresa Summer was a NASA Subject Matter Expert, representing the Astronomical Society of the Pacific at Oregon’s North Santiam State Park. She had the opportunity to view the eclipse with some great kids!

My family and I enjoyed camping at North Santiam. The rangers and park hosts were very welcoming. They were busy getting the park ready for the eclipse but took the time to make sure we were well-situated. Ranger Jennifer Godfrey even helped me set up the tent! Prior to the eclipse, I had a wonderful time having four outreach sessions around the science of the sky. We went over the mechanics behind eclipses, the Sun’s energy output, and how to view the eclipse safely, among other astronomy topics. Two sisters who came to the talks are pictured below.

The morning of the eclipse, our quiet camping experience was changed. Each of the two field areas had approximately 250 people gathered to see the spectacle in the heavens. We handed out about 50 glasses that day, mostly to people who had left theirs home in the morning rush to get to a viewing spot. I introduced myself to the crowds, said a few words of welcome and answered some questions. I had guides for the visually impaired, various balls and scale models, but mostly we watched in joyful comraderie as the Moon and Sun stole the show. It was truly a magical astronomy experience.

Ella Shalhoub, 8, explores an eclipse model with astronomer Theresa Summer.
Photo Credit: Jean Summer

Ava Shalhoub, age 10, uses a strainer as a pinhole projector. Credit: Theresa Summer

Image of the many eclipses through the strainer. Credit: Theresa Summer