Totality and Beyond: Assessing Public Appreciation for NASA at 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Events

This mixed-methods study examines the collective impact of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-supported events during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse and along the path of totality. We assessed visitors’ appreciation for NASA, their understanding of eclipse science and safety, and intentions to re-engage with NASA and science-related activities via real-time surveys and interviews (N = 1310), along with embedded evaluation activities. Participants were satisfied with NASA (M = 8.9/10) and commonly described activities as informative and interactive. NASA reached visitors with various levels of science affinity. Participants demonstrated strong awareness of eclipse safety and indicated they would follow up with related learning opportunities, commonly to explore more about eclipses and NASA missions. The results indicate that phenomenon-focused events paired with hands-on activities and interactions with scientists can support understanding of relevant science and safety, build awareness of NASA science and missions, and lead to continued public engagement in the short term.