Speaker
Description
Solar eclipses offer unparalleled opportunities for public engagement in astronomy, as large groups of people often gather to view them. The affordability and flexibility of tools for viewing the Sun during an eclipse also make eclipses among the most inclusive and accessible of astronomical events. One unique way to view an eclipse that has recently become popular is the disco ball. These affordable devices, which function as reflective pinhole projectors, are unique in that they allow large groups of people to safely and directly observe the Sun while encouraging the maintenance of a safe distance from both the device and other observers. In this presentation, we present an analysis of the experiences of educators who have used disco balls as solar projectors during various public outreach events. Through a survey conducted shortly after the April 2024 total solar eclipse, we collected data on the use, engagement, and perceived educational value of a disco ball projector from 27 individual events. The results suggest that disco balls were not only affordable and safe, but also popular and educational.
