A Celestial Encounter Over America

On April 8, 2024, the heavens aligned for a breathtaking total solar eclipse, captivating millions across the United States from Texas to Maine. This cosmic event wasn't just for the enthralled public; it sparked an extraordinary scientific endeavor involving thirty-six community scientist teams and four professional research teams, all united in their mission to study the Sun's upper atmosphere, or corona.

A Documentary Unveiling the Science Behind the Spectacle

Just over a year after this awe-inspiring event, a 26-minute documentary titled "Gathered in Darkness" will premiere at the U.S. National Science Foundation’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, on the evening of April 23, 2025. The film promises an exclusive glimpse into the Citizen Continental-America Telescope Eclipse (CATE) 2024 project, showcasing how teams gathered over 47,000 images of the solar corona.

"Condensing a monumental project into a succinct film is no small feat, but I’m thrilled with the result," said Daniel Zietlow, the filmmaker and educational designer at NSF NCAR. "While the film delves into the CATE 2024 project and the significance of scientific data collection, it truly celebrates the community scientists and their unique experiences during the eclipse. Their preparations, insights on solar phenomena, and personal reactions make this film a heartfelt narrative of a shared cosmic journey."

Engage with the Minds Behind the Magic

Attendees at the screening won’t just watch a film; they’ll also have the chance to engage with Zietlow and leading scientists from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and NSF NCAR. They will unveil some of the fascinating data collected during this stellar collaboration. This isn’t just an event—it’s a communal celebration, with both in-person and virtual options available. Due to high demand, early registration is encouraged.

Join the Solar Science Celebration!

"Total solar eclipses offer a rare glimpse into the Sun's hot atmosphere," stated Amir Caspi, principal investigator of the project at SwRI. "But beyond science, the CATE 2024 project cultivated a profound connection between scientists and the communities who witnessed this magnificent event. We hope it ignites a lasting curiosity and appreciation for the mysteries of our Sun."

Event Details

**What:** Premier screening of *Gathered in Darkness*, a documentary on the CATE 2024 mission **When:** Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. MDT **Where:** NSF NCAR Mesa Lab, 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, CO, and virtual **Who:** Recommended for ages 12 and up **Cost:** Free **More Information:** Don’t miss this chance to witness the cosmic marvel—details available online.