Released: February 28, 2024
Register in advance for either 5:30 p.m. March 19 or 2 p.m. March 20 events at SFCC’s Planetarium
Michael Zeiler
Santa Fe Community College Foundation will present eclipse-chasing geographer and cartographer Michael Zeiler and his multi-media tour of the path of the April 8, 2024 eclipse at two separate presentations at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 and at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 in the SFCC Planetarium, 6401 Richards Avenue. Attendees must pre-register at bit.ly/4bU7de1. The $25 admission will benefit SFCC Foundation, which supports students through scholarships and other initiatives.
The approximately one-hour program by Zeiler includes an animated flyover as simulated from the view of a spacecraft 100 miles high and detailed maps of the eclipse path. Special attention will be given to the Midwest and Texas, an eclipse destination for many amateur astronomers. One obsession of all eclipse chasers is to maximize the odds of clear skies during totality. Zeiler will discuss how to weigh many factors such as proximity to longest duration, ease of mobility on the local road network, climatological records for April, and how weather systems respond to local topography. He’ll also explore the wide variety of eclipse viewing venues, everything from a stadium to a mountain peak, major cities or national parks, and museums or zoos. Zeiler will also present his research on how many people will travel to totality’s path on Eclipse Day and discuss the economic impacts for regions in the U.S. He’ll also preview what comes after the 2024 eclipse, both in North America and around the world.
Micheal Zeiler bio:
Michael Zeiler has more than 20 years of experience diagramming GIS concepts, building data models, and programming and produces the maps and animations on Great American Eclipse website. He is a geographer who recently retired from the leading provider of geographic information systems (GIS) software, esri.com. Zeiler has witnessed total solar eclipses since 1991. In 2009 while writing his book, Modeling Our World, he realized how advanced GIS technology could be applied to publish new eclipse maps of high precision and good cartographic quality. After creating his first eclipse map for the total solar eclipse of July 22, 2009, Zeiler launched eclipse-maps.com in 2010 to showcase new and historic eclipse maps. Recognizing the widespread public interest in the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse, Zeiler launched GreatAmericanEclipse.com on August 21, 2014. He is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses and is honored to have an asteroid (53253) Zeiler named after him.
For more information about the event contact: SFCC Foundation Operations Coordinator Maria Montoya via email at maria.montoya3@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1178.
Santa Fe Community College celebrates its 40th Anniversary as the pathway to success for individuals and the community. SFCC provides affordable, high-quality programs that serve the academic, cultural, and economic needs of the community. The college welcomes over 10,000 students per year in credit, noncredit, workforce training, personal enrichment, and adult programs.
A “Best for Vets” and a “Military Friendly” school.
Visit sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1000.
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