Our First Fridays eclipse booth was well received by attendees of all backgrounds. We gave away 380 eclipse shades, and the two separate locations (information and observing) added to our visibility. Matthew Sherrill and I (and Mike Worthy’s scope!) were caught in photos taken by Allison Carter of the Times Daily!
I am stirred by the surprise from people who said, “Didn’t know there was an astronomy club here,” and was especially pleased to have met at least three amateur telescope makers at the information pavilion! It was great to hear peoples’ plans for travel, and others’ plans to just stay at home with a welder’s helmet.
Thank you to First Fridays Florence and Downtown Florence Unlimited for letting us advocate the eclipse. And thanks to you, Belinda Duke, for welcoming us so freely! It felt great to hear and see the community’s enthusiasm and reception to this upcoming celestial event.