Tag: NASA

Dark Skies, Bright Hearts

thepitwindow

Putting an experience like yesterday’s total solar eclipse into words is difficult. Please indulge this poor attempt at expressing my thoughts. I’ll get to the facts in a bit.

First, IMS did a stellar (no pun intended…well, maybe) job putting together the program yesterday. There were plenty of activities for all ages as we waited for the celestial event to begin. The crowd looked and felt as if it were Grand Prix race day.

At the moment of totality, I felt humble at being at the mercy of a natural force that I could not control. Humans have conquered much of nature, but an eclipse is totally out of mankind’s grasp.

I have had several thrilling encounters with raw nature- a female elk running straight toward me, close enough that I could get a whiff of her scent; a whale rising up in front of my tour boat, creating a wall that blocked the view beyond it; a moose so close that I could pet it if I chose to- but yesterday they all became mere trivial occasions to what I witnessed in the sky above the speedway.

I had a sense of gratitude at being able to witness one of the natural events on my bucket list. I had lost hope of ever getting to witness a total eclipse. The partial one in 2017 was neat, but unsatisfying. I am thankful that I could watch at my happy place, and share it with so many people. At my spot in Pagoda Plaza, strangers smiled at each other. We became a brotherhood as we shared the experience.

Parts of the eclipse took me by surprise, and other parts i expected. I enjoyed watching the moon creep across the sun, the ebony disc growing larger and large, covering the yellow orb.

The sudden darkness at totality shocked me. It was like turning off the light in a windowless room. The flash of light as total coverage ended was strangely a relief that the sun had returned. As we walked back to our car, we stopped every few feet to watch as the inched out of the sun’s path.

If I never get a chance to see another solar eclipse, I’ll be fine. The frustrating thing is, I now really want to see another one.

Showmen Extraordinaire

Credit the Speedway, Doug Boles, and Allison Melangton, with the help of NASA and Purdue University, for putting together an amazing pre eclipse program.

When the event was first announced, I thought, “This is cute. They will probably have 20,000 people there.” I had no idea how this would work.

I find this photo a bit Gothic. Very cool

There was an aggressive marketing campaign, as more than 50,000 people attended. Viewers came from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. While other sites may have had more open views and probably saw more stars (We saw one at the track), I would not have wanted to be anywhere else for the eclipse.

I will have some more photos u on The Pit Window Facebook page later today.

Eclipse Day at IMS

thepitwindow

Today is arguably the second most anticipated day in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history. A total solar eclipse, which last made a path across Indiana 89 years ago, will darken the sky just a bit after 3 pm this afternoon.

IMS has a full day of activity planned. The track has teamed up with Purdue and NASA to provide information and educational activities.

Today’s schedule at the track:

Schedule (all times ET)
9 a.m.: Gates open; Gates 2, 3 and 6
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Educational programming
1 p.m.: NASA broadcast begins
1:10 p.m.: Opening ceremonies
1:35 p.m.: INDYCAR SERIES demo laps
1:50:34 p.m.: Solar eclipse begins with partial
2:15 p.m.: Frontstretch of oval track opens for guest viewing
3:06:04 p.m.: Totality begins
3:07:59 p.m.: Max totality
3:09:54 p.m.: Totality ends
3:25 p.m.: Closing ceremonies
3:30 p.m.: Astronaut and driver autograph session
4 p.m.: Gates close
4:23:13 p.m.: Partial ends
4:30 p.m.: NASA broadcast concludes

Drivers and astronauts at the autograph session:

Tickets have been sold in all 50 states and several international locations.

If I know the Speedway, renewal notices will go out tomorrow for the next eclipse in the year 2153.

Thousands Expected for Full Day of Fun, Science during Total Solar Eclipse at IMS 

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 Don’t Be Left in the Dark: Arrive Early for Full Experience

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, April 3, 2024) – With 35,000 to 50,000 spectators expected to attend the Total Solar Eclipse Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway presented by Purdue University on Monday, April 8, guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a wide array of exhibits, experiments, panel-led discussions, demonstrations and photo opportunities.
Tickets have been purchased from 49 states, the District of Columbia and more than 21 other countries and territories, including Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, England, France, Germany, Greenland, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
There’s no better place to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience than at the Racing Capital of the World.
NASA TV Live Broadcast
The IMS Total Solar Eclipse Event presented by Purdue University has been designated one of several official broadcast sites for NASA TV’s coverage of the astronomical phenomenon.
Special Guests
Among the guests expected in attendance are members of Indiana’s congressional delegation, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, and Mark and Rick Armstrong, the sons of Purdue graduate and first man on the moon Neil Armstrong.Multiple astronauts and NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers also will be in attendance. Drivers and astronauts will be featured throughout the day as subject matter experts, as well as participating in an autograph session to conclude the day’s events.
Programming
Two educational programming tracks will run concurrently. The Sun Track will be more technical in nature. The Moon Track is tailored for youth and families. All programming will feature experts from NASA, Purdue University and INDYCAR.
On-Track Action
At the start of the NASA TV global broadcast, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will be on full display for spectators. Three-time Indianapolis 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter will turn a handful of demonstration laps of the 2.5-mile oval in an Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet INDYCAR SERIES car just before the start of the Total Solar Eclipse sequence.Once the demonstration laps conclude, guests will be invited to the frontstretch of the famed oval, where they can experience the total solar eclipse.
Educational Exhibits
NASA will have more than a dozen educational exhibits with which attendees can interact. Faculty, students and subject matter experts from Purdue University, Indiana Space Grant Consortium and Near Space Education also will offer exhibits, booths, demonstrations and displays, available throughout the day in IMS’ Trackside Garages, turned Exhibit Hall.
Exhibits include:
Artemis Human Landing Program
With the Artemis campaign, NASA is using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before. The exhibit includes Artemis II Astro Cut Outs, tabletop models, a docking simulator and an inflatable dome.
Rockets to RacecarsThere are many parallels between the technology used on the track and in space. This display highlights those similarities with model cars, tires, a shuttle nose and mannequins with cooling gear and fire suits.
RS-25 Engine
The RS-25 powered the space shuttle for over three decades and completed 135 missions. It is one of the most tested large rocket engines in history. Guests can enjoy a tabletop model, view an actual RS-25 engine and test the engine using virtual reality.
In addition, attendees can take photos with the Borg-Warner Trophy, Visit Indy’s _NDY Sculpture and an eclipse-themed INDYCAR SERIES race car.
Schedule (all times ET)
9 a.m.: Gates open; Gates 2, 3 and 6
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Educational programming
1 p.m.: NASA broadcast begins
1:10 p.m.: Opening ceremonies
1:35 p.m.: INDYCAR SERIES demo laps
1:50:34 p.m.: Solar eclipse begins with partial
2:15 p.m.: Frontstretch of oval track opens for guest viewing
3:06:04 p.m.: Totality begins
3:07:59 p.m.: Max totality
3:09:54 p.m.: Totality ends
3:25 p.m.: Closing ceremonies
3:30 p.m.: Astronaut and driver autograph session
4 p.m.: Gates close
4:23:13 p.m.: Partial ends
4:30 p.m.: NASA broadcast concludes
The Greatest Spectacles
Eclipse viewing glasses, named “The Greatest Spectacles,” will be complimentary and made available to all guests upon entry.
Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the Total Solar Eclipse Event presented by Purdue University. 

IMS Solar Eclipse Event Features Astronauts and Racers

thepitwindow

Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be one of three official NASA sites for the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. The Speedway has an extensive program planned,

STEM education, simulations, and an accommodation for the visually impaired are all part of the day’s activities. There will be two locations for people to set up their telescopes.

In a press briefing this afternoon, IMS president Doug Boles outlined the program, which will be supervised by Purdue University.

Ed Carpenter will run a few laps at 1 pm, just before the eclipse begins.

There will be an autograph session featuring astronauts and race drivers.

Boles said that more than 10,000 tickets have been sold, and that he expects about 25,000 to be in attendance. Tickets are $15, and kids 18 and under are free.

The eclipse begins at 1:50 pm EDT, and totality occurs from 3:06-3:09 pm. IMS will hand out special viewing glasses to all attendees.

The full schedule can be found at ims.com.

IMS, Purdue Partner for 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Experience

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From IMS:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023) – Purdue University is joining the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as presenting sponsor for Total Solar Eclipse viewing event April 8, 2024, in front of a worldwide audience, further deepening the long-standing history between the two iconic organizations.
The Total Solar Eclipse Event at IMS presented by Purdue University will be one of the nation’s most prominent viewing events for the once-in-a-generation phenomenon. Chosen as one of only a few NASA broadcast sites that day, IMS will draw all eyes to Indianapolis, located in the heart of the path of totality. The exciting day of programming and festivities will feature Boilermaker experts, alumni, students and more during the in-person event and broadcasted across the world.
“Purdue’s support for this event is a perfect fit because of its storied, successful history in space exploration, motorsports and engineering education,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said.
“‘Boiler Up’ will take on a whole new meaning through this partnership as thousands look upward to the sky April 8 for a once-in-a-lifetime event.”
The partnership is a natural extension of Purdue’s long history in motorsports and space. Home to the Cradle of Astronauts and the nation’s only accredited motorsports engineering program, Purdue puts more graduates in space and Gasoline Alley than any other university in Indiana.
“Purdue has a special place in space exploration and at IMS,” said Purdue University President Mung Chiang. “Whether the International Space Station or the Yard of Bricks, Boilermakers are there, persistently pursing their next giant leap. The total solar eclipse is the perfect event to showcase it all, especially in the quarter before the birth of Purdue University in Indianapolis: our capital city’s first top-50 university in America.”
Loral O’Hara became the 27th Purdue astronaut after launching from Baikonur Cosmodrome on Sept. 16 for a six-month stay on the International Space Station. More than 47 space shuttle flights have featured Purdue alumni onboard, and 11 missions have included multiple Boilermakers.
While Purdue’s astronauts may be popular, thousands of fellow alums enable the next giant leaps in space exploration working for NASA or within the private sector.
Between its campuses in Indianapolis and West Lafayette, Purdue has propelled students and graduates to exciting motorsports careers at the highest levels of racing, including NASCAR, INDYCAR and the International Motor Sports Association, as well as with manufacturers, most notably Dallara, a prominent race car builder, and Cummins, a global power technology leader.
Boilermakers are no stranger to victory lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as Matt Kuebel and Mike Koenigs (Josef Newgarden, 2023) and Angela Ashmore (Marcus Ericsson, 2022) were key parts of Indianapolis 500-winning teams the last two years.
“Our partnership with IMS is a very natural extension for our brand and offers us the opportunity to share more incredible stories of Boilermakers taking their next giant leaps — in both space and motorsports — as we get closer to April 8, 2024,” said Katie Ellis, director of marketing strategy at Purdue University.
“Purdue’s legacy in space exploration started decades ago, but we have incredible students, faculty and alumni working every day to make world-changing discoveries, so we cannot wait to spotlight them through this partnership.”
This is the first time in 819 years a total solar eclipse has been visible in Indianapolis, and another 129 years will pass before it occurs again. For three minutes and 46 seconds, Indianapolis will experience darkness as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the sun.Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the Total Solar Eclipse Event at IMS presented by Purdue University and for more information on event details.