Announcing “In The Path of Totality”

It’s rare that something can stop millions of people in their tracks. Even rarer that something can evoke feelings of awe, connectedness, joy and humility all at once. A total solar eclipse is such a thing. And on April 8, 2024, more than 30 million Americans will experience one.

The Simons Foundation is thrilled to announce In the Path of Totality, a new initiative from the foundation’s Science, Society & Culture division. By providing financial and capacity-building support to museums, art and cultural centers, Main Streets and more, we’re helping ensure that people have an unforgettable shared experience.

While the entire country will witness a partial eclipse on April 8, we’re focusing our efforts within the path of totality: the narrow strip of Earth that the moon will cast its shadow upon when it crosses the Sun’s orbit. We’re spotlighting towns — from Texas to Maine — that fall in this narrow path because we believe that everyone should have an opportunity to engage with science in a place they call home.

For a few minutes on a spring afternoon, people living in these communities will have some of the best views in the solar system — and that warrants coming together to celebrate. But this isn’t just about April 8. This cosmic event is helping us build new and authentic partnerships with the goal of providing more opportunities for science engagement well beyond the eclipse.

Over the coming months, we’ll be announcing new partners, working with organizations to share their stories and helping ensure that this solar eclipse — the last one in North America until 2045 — is one that people will remember for years to come. You can learn more about our work at inthepathoftotality.org.