LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — SoMa 501, a local nonprofit focused on improving Little Rock's growing South on Main district, recently received a $10,000 grant in preparation for the April 8 total solar eclipse.
The grant is part of the Simons Foundation’s 'In the Path of Totality' initiative, which will help support science-based community programming in communities that fall within the path of totality.
SoMa 501 plans to utilize the grant to enhance the SoMa in the Dark: Path of Totality Eclipse Watch Party, scheduled for Monday, April 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The watch party will provide a unique viewing space for Little Rock residents on historic Main Street between 12th and 17th Streets.
"We are excited to leverage this grant to further enrich the experience for our community during the total eclipse event. The 'In the Path of Totality' initiative perfectly aligns with our mission of merging science, art, culture, and community engagement," said Elizabeth Michael, Executive Director of SoMa 501.
Attendees of all ages can enjoy refreshments, browse vendors, and get eclipse viewing glasses sponsored by Rock Town Distillery.
The grant will specifically fund the Astro Market, an interactive science market that will be located in The Bernice Garden along Main Street.
The market will feature booths from the scientific community with hands-on astronomy experiences to learn more about this rare celestial phenomenon. Some highlights of the Astro Market include:
- The LightSound Project: A solar eclipse sonification tool designed and developed in 2017, so that the Blind and Low Vision community can experience a solar eclipse with sound.
- The Citizen Continental-America Telescope Eclipse (CATE) 2024 Project: In collaboration with about 40 teams of citizen scientists, CATE 2024 will make polarized observations of the Sun’s corona during the total solar eclipse as it crosses the U.S. from Texas to Maine.
- A Look Through a Tiny Hole in a Cardboard Box Down Memory Lane: An exhibit showcasing how eclipses have been viewed and experienced over time, including facts and myths. The exhibit will also feature a discussion with indigenous Arkansas People about how their culture interpreted and viewed eclipses.
- Shoebox Eclipse Simulator: Participants will create a shoebox eclipse simulator using triangles and proportions to predict the diameter and distance of one object that can be eclipsed by another.
- Exploring Size and Distance: An activity exploring how the moon hides the sun using balls, understanding how distance affects perception.
- Artistic Illumination: A gallery of eclipse or celestial-themed art from local artists ranging from student level to professional.
“We hope that our celestial celebration in SoMa serves as a welcoming, inclusive, and fun event for all of Little Rock’s residents and visitors alike. What better location to have lunch and celebrate this awe-inspiring cosmic event,” she said.
To submit an activity for the Astro Market, become a sponsor or volunteer, or to learn more about the event, visit click here.
