Eclipse Day brings about 2,000 guests to Blakemore Planetarium

Saturday, Oct. 14, brought approximately 2,000 guests to the campus of the Museum of the Southwest’s Marion West and William Blanton Blakemore Planetarium to view the Annular eclipse.

This amazing phenomenon occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and Sun, creating a brilliant “ring of fire” effect in the sky. It did not disappoint—at 11:45 a.m., during full annularity, across the Museum’s five-and-a-half-acre campus, guests stood silently with faces, properly outfitted with viewing glasses, towards the sun taking in the unique sight.

Thanks to support from Chevron, there were a variety of activities on campus throughout the day.

“There is such a rich history between space exploration and the oil and gas industry,” said Catie Matthews, public and government affairs advisor at Chevron. “Chevron is excited by this opportunity to bring Eclipse Day, along with the wonder and awe of space, to the Museum of the Southwest and the entire Permian Community.”

During the day, lectures were held in the Helen Greathouse Discovery Dome by retired NASA Astronaut John Herrington, the first Native American to fly in space. NuMinds Enrichment’s team was on site providing dynamic STEAM programming for guests as well as a community project that will be displayed at the Planetarium.

“We were excited for our campus to be open to the public for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Partnerships throughout the Permian Basin are what make these events a reality. A special thank you to Chevron for their commitment to our community,” said Mary Katherine Marshall, Sr. director of development & communications for the Museum of the Southwest.

Founded in 1966, the Museum of the Southwest has served the communities of the Permian Basin and beyond for over 55 years. Consisting of the Turner Memorial Art Museum and Historic Mansion, the Blakemore Planetarium, and the Durham Children’s Museum, the Museum of the Southwest campus offers experiences in the arts and sciences for all ages.

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