As Yonkers prepares for a unique solar event less than one month from now, the Hudson River Museum teams up with local astronaut Ron Garan to highlight the rare solar eclipse. On Saturday, March 23, the museum will be celebrating the upcoming eclipse with a day of activities and presentations dedicated to learning more about this highly anticipated phenomenon, as well as space exploration more broadly. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Ron Garan himself as he gives two presentations that will be open to the public for a fee.
About the astronaut
Ronald Garan Jr. was born in the city of Yonkers on October 30, 1961. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, he earned a Bachelor’s in Business Economics from SUNY Oneonta. He then went on to complete a Master’s of Aeronautical Science degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as well a Master’s degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Florida. Garan’s affinity for the skies was evident early on, leading him to a highly distinguished military career as a pilot and flight instructor, during which he earned various accolades and medals.
In 2000, Garan was selected by NASA to be a pilot; undergoing two years of intense preparation. On May 31, 2008, he began his first ascent into space aboard the STS-124 Discovery mission. During this mission he visited the International Space Station, providing supplies and support to its crew members and participating in space walks. He completed his second mission, Expedition 27/28, aboard the Soyuz TMA-21 in April of 2011.
After a lengthy career marked by exploration of the skies and beyond, Garan retired from NASA in 2014. He still remains active in the global community committed to space exploration.
Eclipse education
Visitors to the Hudson River Museum on March 23 can hear from astronaut and Yonkers native Ron Garan firsthand. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the program shares his experiences on the International Space Station. Tickets start at $40 for member adults and $50 for non-member adults. Tickets include access to one of the three planetarium showings of “Moonbase: The Next Step.” Those who plan on attending the event will be able to pre-order a signed copy of Garan’s book “Floating in Darkness” or his children’s book “Railroad to the Moon” for pickup on the day of the event. The purchase will also automatically include a copy of his other book, “The Orbital Perspective.”
Ron Garan then speaks again at 7 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception. Tickets for this start at $100 for members and $125 for nonmembers.
Apart from these events featuring Garan, visitors will also be able to enjoy an array of workshops and story times. Attendees also have a chance to learn about and engage with solar telescopes, weather permitting.
The solar eclipse itself takes place on Monday April 8, lasting for approximately two and a half hours, between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Hudson River Museum will also be hosting a viewing event with an emphasis on safe viewing opportunities at that time. This event affords attendees the chance to see New York’s first total solar eclipse in nearly a century.
