Scientist spurs Mercyhurst designation as NASA-sponsored viewing site for eclipse

Thanks to the efforts of Geology Professor Dr. Nick Lang, Mercyhurst University is among the nation’s leading NASA-sponsored SunSpots for viewing the total solar eclipse that will sweep across America on April 8, 2024.  

The designation means that NASA experts will be at Mercyhurst to engage with the public and share the ways NASA studies the sun and uses that information to understand its impact on Earth. April’s event will be the last time a total solar eclipse crosses the U.S. for more than 20 years.

Lang is a member of Mercyhurst’s Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics and co-director of the university’s Environmental Science program. He specializes in geologic mapping and morphometric characterization of volcanic and tectonic landforms on Earth, Venus, and Mars. In the summer of 2022, he began a two-year temporary assignment with NASA’s Planetary Science Division, where he helps support various research programs.

As NASA began planning for the total eclipse, Lang volunteered Mercyhurst as a NASA-sponsored site since Erie is in the path of totality for the eclipse and the Mercyhurst campus provides optimum hillside viewing. For three minutes and 42 seconds, beginning at 3:16 p.m., the afternoon sky will go dark as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth.

The university is planning to open its campus to the public for the historic occasion and host a variety of educational and interactive sessions in collaboration with NASA. Details will be forthcoming as the event nears.

Because of Erie’s unique position on the path of the eclipse totality, additional NASA representatives are expected to be in Erie to help with various eclipse-related activities, Lang said. The City of Erie as well as local universities and various organizations all are hosting events. To view community options, check out the VisitErie Eclipse site.

Besides Lang, other Mercyhurst scientists integral to planning for the eclipse are Drs. Clint Jones, Joe Johnson, and Bradley Treece. To learn more about eclipse opportunities at Mercyhurst, visit mercyhurst.edu/eclipse.