Save the Date Postcard: Upcoming US Solar Eclipses

Left half of the rectangle showcases the annular solar eclipse with a Hinode satellite image of the black moon covering a ring of fire, orange and yellow sun, with the upcoming date, 10-14-2023.  The right half is about the total solar eclipse and has a black moon covering a white wispy sun with the upcoming date 04-08-2024.  The bottom includes a url to solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses
Levels
  • beginner
  • intermediate
  • advanced
NGSS
  • ess1
Requirements
  • low_tech
  • low_cost
CreditNASA HEAT
Language
  • english

The downloadable save the date postcard features an eye-catching design with two celestial events as the focal point. The left half showcases the upcoming annular solar eclipse, October 14, 2023, with a captivating image, taken by the Hinode satellite, that captures the beauty of the Sun surrounded by a glowing ring of light. The right half displays a mesmerizing depiction of a total solar eclipse, taken by Aubrey Gemigani, with the Moon perfectly aligning with the Sun, creating a breathtaking sight of a darkened solar disk surrounded by the solar corona. The total solar eclipse will cross the nation April 8, 2024.

The back of the postcard serves as a resource for educators and learners of all ages by providing valuable information and safety guidelines for witnessing these extraordinary events. It includes a link to NASA's eclipse website, where users can learn more about eclipse types, history, science, resources and more. The bottom description emphasizes the importance of safety during solar eclipses. It provides a concise statement that highlights the significance of using proper eye protection and cautions against looking directly at the Sun during the eclipse.

There is ample space for users to include their own handwritten message and the recipient's address. By sharing these postcards, users can invite friends, family, and colleagues to join in witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of these upcoming solar eclipses while promoting safety and educational engagement.

This product is supported by the NASA Heliophysics Activation Team (NASA HEAT), part of NASA's Science Activation portfolio.