Information from PARI:
A total solar eclipse crossed the United States on Aug. 21, the first total solar eclipse seen in the continental U.S. in 38 years, and the first to sweep across the entire country in 99 years.
The path of totality crossed the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute campus near Rosman, N.C., at 2:36:44 p.m. EDT and lasted for 1 minute, 47 seconds. This historic moment was the first time a total solar eclipse has occurred at a site equipped with 26-meter radio telescopes.
Teams of NASA scientists were in attendance at PARI, conducting two different eclipse experiments. It is a fitting return for the nation’s space agency, for it was NASA that selected the 200-acre campus for the site of its East Coast satellite tracking station during the infancy of the U.S. space program, more than 50 years ago.
PARI hosted hundreds of dignitaries, guests and amateur astronomers for the event.
PARI was established in 1998 to become a center for world-class research while providing STEM educational opportunities for all levels of students. The PARI site was initially developed by NASA in 1962 in the Pisgah Forest about 30 miles southwest of Asheville.
This video was produced to capture highlights of the eclipse event at PARI:
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.