The University of Texas Permian Basin is set to host an all-day free event Saturday, October 14, for the community to celebrate the solar eclipse and STEAMfest.
The Permian Basin has been named by NASA as one of the best locations in the country to view the eclipse, so you’ll have the best seat for this event.
Ahead of the event, the community is encouraged to register for the Nationwide Eclipse Balloon Project speaker series — an educational offering in anticipation of the solar eclipse. The virtual sessions allow participants to engage with subject matter experts, STEM educators, and NASA professionals. You can learn more and register for the event here.
Here is what’s happening on the UTPB campus for the solar eclipse and STEAMfest:
Friday, October 13
- 6:00 p.m.: Scientist Dr. Hugh Hudson will give a special lecture on solar eclipses at the CEED building (North, 1310 FM1788, Midland, TX 79707)
Saturday, October 14
- 9:30 a.m.: Meet at the UTPB Quad (center of campus) and the Mesa Deck (at the Mesa Building) for the best seat in the nation to watch the solar eclipse. Scientists from UTPB, NASA, and the Gordon Center will launch scientific balloons into the sky, and you’ll be there for it all. You can watch scientific balloons being launched into the sky from the observation area on the Mesa Deck.
- 10:18 a.m.- 1:20 p.m.: View the eclipse at UTPB. Safety glasses will be provided.
- 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.: STEAMFest — There will be interactive science and art activities for all ages.
A few things to know about the event:
- >> Free parking available in front of the Mesa Building
- >> Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to set-up on the Quad
- >> Food available to purchase at the Starbucks in the Library and the Mesa Market (2nd floor of Mesa Building, accessible from the Mesa Deck.)
