Why every solar eclipse viewing event needs a disco ball

arXiv (Cornell University)

Abstract

Solar eclipses offer unparalleled opportunities for public engagement in astronomy. Large groups of people often gather to view eclipses, and these events require affordable and easy-to-use tools to safely observe the Sun. One unique way to observe a solar eclipse is by using a disco ball. Here, we present an analysis of the experiences of educators who used a disco ball as a solar projector during various public outreach events. Through a survey conducted shortly after the April 2024 total solar eclipse and the March 2025 partial solar eclipse, we collected data on the use, engagement, and perceived educational value of a disco ball projector from 31 individual events. The results suggest that disco balls were not only affordable and safe, but also popular and educational.

Authors 13

1. Valerie Rapson

   SUNY Oneonta

   Affiliation as printed

   SUNY Oneonta

2. A. G. M. Pietrow

   Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam

3. Robert Cumming

   Chalmers University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Onsala Space Observatory, Department of Space, Earth and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology

4. Yashashree Jadhav

   Stevens Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Stevens Institute of Technology

5. Maria D. Kazachenko

   University of Colorado Boulder · National Solar Observatory · Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder

   National Solar Observatory

   Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado Boulder

6. Casper Pietrow Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University

7. Livia Pietrow Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University

8. Dennis L. Schatz

   National Science Teachers Association

   Affiliation as printed

   National Science Teaching Association

9. Elliot Severn

   Shanghai University

   Affiliation as printed

   SHU Discovery Science Center and Planetarium

10. S. Srinivasan

    Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

    Affiliation as printed

    Instituto de Radioastronomía y Astrofísica, UNAM

11. William R. Thornburgh

    Eastern Kentucky University

    Affiliation as printed

    Eastern Kentucky University

12. Andrea Warkentin

    Round Rock Public Library

    Affiliation as printed

    Round Rock Public Library

13. Hayley Yasui
    Affiliation as printed

    Carden School of Fresno