by Tim Crosby
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Amateur and professional researchers and astrophotographers who need observation space and facilities for the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse can apply for assistance from the SIU Space Science group at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The group is organizing the 2024 Crossroads Eclipse Workshop, which is aimed at enriching research opportunities in solar science and citizen science. The workshop will help establish access to research and astrophotography observation areas at the SIU Farms Astronomy Observation Area (also known as the Dark Site) and at various locations on the main campus.
For full consideration, those interested in participating should submit research proposal abstracts to Steve Gariepy at the SIU STEM Education Research Center no later than Jan. 31. See the 2024 Crossroads Eclipse Research Workshop webpage for more information.
Participants will be notified of their acceptance by Feb. 7.
The observation site at SIU Farms is a large area the university used in 2017 to host 10 research and astrophotography groups. The gated area, located in the middle of a square mile of university farm land, includes 10 concrete telescope pads for participants to use.
Participants will be allowed to camp either in tents or self-contained RVs at the SIU Farms site. Cost for access to the site is $50 per person, with telescope pad access at $200. Camping is available at no additional charge. Organizers have a limited number of fee waivers available.
The university also will make available observation areas on campus for the day of the eclipse.
Select participants should be prepared to make research presentations or provide a poster on April 6, during the Crossroads Astronomy Science and Technology Expo April 7-8 at SIU.