Two years. Countless hours of meetings. Planning, re-planning and final planning. It is a bit daunting trying to quantify the amount of work that went into creating USI's Solarpalooza, the University-wide event celebrating the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. But it was all worth it when the moon slipped in front of the sun and darkness settled over The Quad at 2:02 p.m.! More than 5,000 visitors, employees and students spent the day at USI for the celestial event. They perused and interacted with educational booths, met animals from Mesker Park Zoo, attended performances and lectures and, of course, watched the total solar eclipse!
This comprehensive look back at the event features photos, video, the University’s recorded live stream, snapshots from attendees and much more, all celebrating the momentous total solar eclipse at USI!
Into outer space with Joan Higginbotham
Though the total solar eclipse was on Monday, USI kicked off Solarpalooza on Sunday, April 7 with the sixth speaker in the University's Romain College of Business Innovative Speaker Series –retired NASA Astronaut Joan Higginbotham. Made possible thanks to private gifts to the USI Foundation, the Romain College of Business Innovative Speaker Series brings speakers to campus who have displayed leadership and innovation in the world of business.
The third Black woman to travel to space, Higginbotham presented “Breaking Barriers: An Astronaut’s Inspiring and Winding Road to Space” to a crowd of University students and staff, along with the Evansville community. After her presentation, Higginbotham stayed to answer questions from the crowd, including local Girl and Boy Scouts, and snapped some memorable photos.
Screagle Showcase: An Educational Experience
Prior to the total solar eclipse, the Screaming Eagles Arena filled with thousands of visitors as USI faculty, staff and volunteers showcased a variety of educational experiences. There were engaging science experiments, arts and crafts and moon rock sample viewings under microscopes.
We came from Detroit to Evansville, without a clear plan of where to go. USI put on a GREAT event, and I'm so happy that my family found it. Beautiful campus, lots of fun activities for the kids, an all-around great day."— Parsla Liepa
(USI) offered so much to see and do. The WWII display in the library and quilts on display was very interesting. The Andy Warhol art was a unique find. Staff and students were very helpful. No traffic problems. Thank you, USI!” — Diana Sauls Garvey
A livestream view
The Solarpalooza livestream—hosted by Seb Fulkerson and The Irish from 95.7 The Spin—entertained 735 viewers who tuned in to catch the event virtually. Interviews with students, faculty and travelers from all over were a part of the livestream, as well as appearances by Archie and President Rochon.
When it was time for the eclipse, the livestream featured a feed from the NASA satellite broadcasting the event.
And the live stream recording is still available for others. Watch a replay below!
Food, fun and music!
Campus was not short on good food and entertainment leading up to the eclipse. Local food trucks Brisket Biscuit, Steve's Oink n Squeel BBQ, Paradise Pizza and Kona Ice joined USI Dining locations in providing delicious food to keep everyone full. Patriotic Soul, made up of some of our own staff, hit the "stage" in front of Rice Library, performing classic rock and country hits for the crowd. The Boom Squad also came out for two amazing performances .
Marking History in Historic New Harmony
USI wasn’t the only option to view the total solar eclipse—many also traveled to New Harmony, Indiana, to take in the event at the historic town. Businesses joined Historic New Harmony (HNH) for a variety of activities and experiences before the eclipse. A Total Solar Eclipse Fundraiser Watch Party at the Atheneum Visitors Center was also held with proceeds going toward HNH’s efforts to improve accessibility, safety and sustainability at the Atheneum.
Time for the Main Event
As the moon crept closer to covering the sun, hundreds gathered to pack The Quad for the day's main event—a three-minute-long total solar eclipse! They donned their glasses, found the perfect spot and turned their eyes to the sky.
"We had one shot at this very humbling astronomical experience. Eclipse day was amazing, but it couldn't have happened without the dedication of our steering committee and the hospitality of our USI community. I'm proud of our efforts and the light that was cast on USI." — Dr. Kent Scheller, Professor of Physics
“Just want to brag on (USI) students. We had students offer (and help) carry things to and from our car and (The Quad) before and after the event. The two students who helped after, one is on the soccer team and is from New Jersey, were so polite and helpful and insisted on helping. It was very helpful since we have a kiddo with special needs and needed to have lots of things with us for just in case. The campus is beautiful and the event was amazing. We were all impressed with how organized and prepared you all were. THANK YOU!” — The Hill and Fugate Family from Nashville, Tennessee
In the News
Though Solarpalooza was only a two-day event, local, regional and national media and social media coverage has been strong leading up to and after the event! The event has been a perfect example of elevating our visibility and reputation!
- 50-plus online media mentions since January 1, 2024
- 90-plus Solarpalooza TV mentions since January 1, 2024
- Day-of coverage from 14 News: Thousands watch solar eclipse at USI (14news.com)
Paying it Forward
Though the eclipse is over for USI and the southern Indiana region, another eclipse is on the horizon later this year for the southern hemisphere. An annular solar eclipse on October 2, 2024, will pass over parts of the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile and southern Argentina. An annular eclipse happens when the moon is slightly further from Earth than when a total solar eclipse occurs. So, the moon does not completely block out the sun's light—instead, a ring of sunlight is visible around the moon.
Some 175,000 people will be able to view the eclipse in October, and to aid these countries, the USI Solarpalooza Committee is donating all unused solar eclipse glasses to Astronomers Without Borders (AWB), a group that works to share a passion of astronomy with the world. AWB will take these solar eclipse glasses to distribute to underserved communities and schools internationally in the path of future eclipses, including the one happening in October. Please bring any unused glasses you may have in your office to Special Events and Scheduling Office by Monday, April 15 so they can be packed and shipped to AWB!
AWB is also collecting gently-used solar eclipse glasses—if you would like to donate your pair, please reach out to Juli Huss, Senior Administrative Associate in Finance and Administration, at jahuss@usi.edu. Huss is collecting glasses on campus to donate to AWB as well!
Be a part of USI history—submit your Solarpalooza photos!
Photography from Solarpalooza is being collected for USI Archives! If you are interested in submitting photos, please email them to photos@usi.edu for consideration. Deadline for submission is Monday, April 15!