Inside the April 2024 Lagniappe edition, discover:
- New Achievements with Engines for Upcoming Artemis Missions by NASA
- The Excitement of NASA-Funded FIRST Robotics Competition with 37 Teams at Magnolia Regional
- Annual Update from the Leadership at NASA and Stennis
Imagine we’re in 2044, twenty years from now, and remember those pivotal moments that defined our experiences. One could think, “I should have taken the chance to see the last total solar eclipse in 2024 when I could have witnessed it across the United States.”
However, coming back to reality in 2024, there is the realization that there is still time to observe this celestial spectacle.
The regret of possibly missing the 2024 total solar eclipse, set to be the last visible one in the contiguous United States until 2044, dissipates. It’s a moment still within grasp.
This significant event will occur on Monday, April 8, 2024, as the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, casting its shadow and fully obsuring the Sun’s face from our view.
Specific locations will witness the path of totality where the eclipse is fully visible. As the sky darkens similarly to twilight, those along this path can observe the Sun’s corona, ordinarily hidden by its shining surface.
No matter your location on April 8, tune into this event with NASA’s Solar Eclipse Guide: What to Expect: A Solar Eclipse Guide (nasa.gov).
The guide provides insights on the timing, viewing locations, and safety precautions for the eclipse. As NASA continues exploring the universe’s secrets, join in witnessing the solar eclipse no matter where you are.
The INFINITY Science Center, NASA Stennis’ official visitor center, will welcome guests for a day filled with solar science on April 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
March 6 saw NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch, of the Artemis II crew, at Stennis to observe an RS-25 engine test. Alongside astronaut Victor Glover and the CSA’s Jeremy Hansen, they will venture to the Moon on Artemis II—the first crewed mission in NASA’s Artemis program for lunar exploration.
Gator, NASA Stennis Space Center’s long-standing mascot, continues to provide encouragement and is featured in Lagniappe, the official newsletter. To subscribe, send your details to NASA Stennis’ Communications Office, and join the story of lunar and beyond exploration.
A significant milestone was achieved on April 3 with the completion of a crucial test series for the RS-25 engines at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, propelling the Artemis missions forward.
The recent Next Gen STEM event allowed students to delve into computer science’s relevance in NASA’s future missions, sparking animated discussions.
The annual State of NASA Stennis address was given by Acting Director John Bailey on March 20. He elaborated on Stennis’ mission objectives in propulsion testing, range operations, and more. A new celebratory overview video was also shared among community leaders, showcasing the center’s talented workforce.
Students from eight states and Mexico participated in the second annual FIRST Robotics Magnolia Regional Competition on March 15. This event, sponsored by NASA Stennis and others, spotlights the significance of STEM education and collaboration.
Working at NASA Stennis offers employees, like Cherie Beech, unparalleled opportunities to contribute to space exploration.
For Lagniappe subscription: Send your name, city/state, and email address to ssc-office-of-communications@mail.nasa.gov
This publication is a collaborative effort with contributions from Managing Editor Lacy Thompson, Editor Bo Black, and photographer Danny Nowlin.
FAQs about NASA Lagniappe and the Total Solar Eclipse
- How do I subscribe to the Lagniappe newsletter?
- Simply email your name, location (city/state), and email address to ssc-office-of-communications@mail.nasa.gov.
- When will the total solar eclipse take place?
- The total solar eclipse is set to occur on Monday, April 8, 2024.
- What is the path of totality?
- The path of totality is the region where the Moon fully blocks the Sun during an eclipse, creating darkness similar to dawn or dusk.
- Can I watch the eclipse safely?
- Yes, with the proper precautions and safety gear, such as eclipse glasses. NASA’s Solar Eclipse Guide offers more safety tips.
- Who are the Artemis II crew members?
- The named astronauts for Artemis II are Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and the CSA’s Jeremy Hansen.
Conclusion
This April 2024 edition of Lagniappe from NASA Stennis Space Center is packed with inspiring updates and upcoming events that remind us of the continuous progress in space exploration. As we prepare to observe the total solar eclipse, we’re reminded of NASA’s commitment to science and education. The newsletter serves as an invitation to partake in these historic moments, foster a deeper understanding of space, and perhaps, inspire the next generation of explorers. Building on a successful past, this publication, along with the variety of events and achievements it covers, illustrates an exciting trajectory for NASA as it propels humanity further into the cosmos.