Astronomers, eclipse watchers mingle at Perot Museum event in Dallas

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas organized an eclipse party on the plaza, welcoming thousands of attendees to witness the eclipse together while being guided by astronomers.

Jean Martin and Christopher Erickson, who traveled from the San Francisco Bay Area, eagerly awaited the start of the Great North American Eclipse event. This marked their second total solar eclipse experience, following their previous viewing in Oregon in 2017. Martin expressed awe at the spectacle, describing it as a reminder of the beauty of space, earth, and life.

The outdoor watch party at the Perot Museum drew a large crowd, with astronomers from Carnegie Science in Pasadena, California, present to engage with attendees and provide expert guidance.

Jack Minard from Maryland highlighted the opportunity to interact with scientists as a driving factor for attending the Perot event, reflecting his interest in the field of astronomy.

Organizers had been planning the event for at least two years, with tickets selling out well in advance by February. Despite thick clouds hovering over downtown Dallas in the morning, obscuring the view initially, the weather cleared up just in time for the eclipse to begin.

Dr. Jeff Rich, an astronomer and outreach coordinator from Carnegie Science, commented on the unpredictable weather forecast, noting the city’s reputation for frequent changes.

As the eclipse unfolded and totality approached, the mood among the crowd shifted to one of quiet anticipation. The moment of totality, lasting three minutes and 52 seconds, left many attendees deeply moved. Rhonda Coleman described the experience as magical, evoking emotions that made her feel overwhelmed with the beauty of the event.