We need your help to support one of Earth's rarest events with the public here in Springfield - a Solar Eclipse on August 21! The moon will start crossing the solar disk at 11:44 AM with the maximum coverage of 96% occurring during the sun's peak at 1:18 PM. It will become darker in the middle of the day, birds may begin to chirp, and it may get cooler by a few degrees. A large-scale, free public event will be held at Missouri State University's Plaster Stadium for viewing the solar eclipse. Gates open at 10:30 with the event ending at 2:30. Activities and entertainment will be provided.
Donations are needed to purchase Solar Eclipse Glasses to safely view the Sun during the eclipse. Each person attending will receive a pair of these glasses. Additional donations will be used to support the activities occurring during the event.
It is extremely important to never look directly at the Sun at any time. Doing so can cause injury to the eye and in some cases, blindness. These glasses are certified to be safe to view the eclipse.
In the case of inclement weather and the event is cancelled, all donors will be invited to an Open House at Baker Observatory.
If you have any questions about the campaign, please contact Becky Baker at Solareclipse@Missouristate.edu.
*In addition, MSU alumni who make a qualifying gift of $25 or more receive an Active Alumni Member card.
| Class Year | Donors | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 1 | $100 |
| 1980 | 1 | $25 |
| 1988 | 1 | $25 |
| 1990 | 1 | $25 |
| 1994 | 2 | $175 |
| 2004 | 1 | $25 |
| 2006 | 1 | $50 |
| 2018 | 1 | $100 |
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Donors will be acknowledged for their support during the eclipse.
VIP access on the field to view eclipse by special telescope in addition to acknowledgement during the eclipse.
Invitation to an event to be held at Baker Observatory (date to be determined) in addition to VIP access and acknowledgement during the eclipse
Private tour and observing at Baker Observatory (at an agreed upon date) in addition to VIP access and acknowledgment during the eclipse through a Shout Out on the Jumbo Tron.
Participate remotely (via computer) in an observing session at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (late hours required) in June or July, as Dr. Peter Plavchan conducts observations in the search for exoplanets in addition to VIP access and acknowledgement during the eclipse through a Shout Out on the Jumbo Tron. Must be able to participate during the nights Dr. Plavchan has observing time: June 17/18, June 25/26, July 4/5, July 19/20, or July 28/29.
Participate in an observing session at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (late hours required) in June or July with Dr. Peter Plavchan as he conducts observations in the search for exoplanets in addition to VIP access and acknowledgement during the eclipse through a Shout Out on the Jumbo Tron. All travel arrangements and any expenses associated with the trip including travel to the summit of Mauna Kea are not included. Dr. Plavchan's observing times are scheduled for: June 17/18, June 25/26, July 4/5, July 19/20 or July 28/29. Participants must be healthy enough to tolerate high altitudes since the observatory is just under 14,000 feet above sea level.