- Niagara Parks to host Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen as part of total solar eclipse programming
- The CSA will be on-site at Table Rock Centre from April 7 to 8 to offer visitors an opportunity to engage with CSA representatives.
- Due to popular demand, additional sessions added for the Q&A sessions with NASA scientists at the Niagara Parks Power Station and Old Fort Erie
- For the full line up of solar eclipse programming and information, visit niagaraparks.com/eclipse.
Niagara Falls, ON – On Sunday, April 7, 2024, Niagara Parks will host Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen for a special activation ahead of the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, which will see Niagara Falls and Fort Erie at the centre of the path of totality. Hansen is assigned to the Artemis II mission and will become the first Canadian to travel around the Moon no earlier than September 2025.
As part of its total solar eclipse programming, Niagara Parks is hosting a range of educational and interactive activities for guests venturing to Niagara Falls for this once-in-a-lifetime event. From solar telescope viewing sessions to informative talks alongside astronomy experts, the programming is designed to engage and enlighten visitors of all ages.
For a full line up of Niagara Parks’ solar eclipse programming and guest information, visit niagaraparks.com/eclipse.
Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen to visit Niagara Parks
Sunday, April 7, 2024, CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen will visit Niagara Parks, speaking with guests about his upcoming flight to the Moon on the Artemis II mission. Jeremy will be participating in various speaking opportunities while at Niagara Parks, including a public Q&A session on the Queen Victoria Park event stage at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, aiming to inspire and educate about the future of Canadian space exploration. Further details about Jeremy Hansen’s schedule will be announced on Niagara Parks’ social media channels.
Originally from London, Ontario, Hansen is a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force who was selected as a recruit by the CSA through the third Canadian Astronaut Recruitment Campaign in 2009. In 2011, he graduated from Astronaut Candidate Training and began working at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Mission Control Center as capcom – the voice between the ground and the International Space Station. In 2017, Hansen became the first Canadian to lead a NASA astronaut class, and in 2023, he was assigned to the Artemis II mission, which will lead him to become the first Canadian to travel around the Moon in 2025.
CSA representatives will also be stationed at Table Rock Centre throughout the weekend to meet with guests and talk about what to expect during the eclipse.
Additional Sessions Added for NASA Speaker Series
Niagara Parks has partnered with NASA to host multiple Q&A sessions with subject matter experts from across the United States at the Niagara Parks Power Station and Old Fort Erie. The free sessions will run from Friday, April 5 to Monday, April 8, 2024, including new time slots and an additional subject matter expert added based on popular demand!
The subject matter experts come from a range of fields and backgrounds, each providing unique perspectives on science education, astronomy and the upcoming total solar eclipse. Registration is required for the free events. For more information visit, niagaraparks.com/eclipse.
Safety and Planning
For all guests planning to view the solar eclipse, looking directly at the sun without designated viewing glasses (ISO 12312-2 international standard) can cause serious damage, such as partial or complete loss of eyesight. Niagara Parks recommends that all guests plan to bring their own solar eclipse viewing glasses. There will be a limited supply available at certain Niagara Parks locations on the day of; however, this is only as supplies last.
For assistance in planning your visit to Niagara to view the solar eclipse, including parking, transportation and travel tips, visit niagaraparks.com/eclipseinfo.
Media Assets are available here.
Quotes
“Niagara Parks is proud to host CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen as part of our programming and activities for the upcoming total solar eclipse. For guests planning to visit Niagara Parks to view the eclipse, this will be an opportunity to engage with Jeremy to learn more about his fascinating career, the future of Canadian space exploration and the excitement surrounding the Artemis II mission,” said Niagara Parks Chair April Jeffs.
“Niagara will be one of the best places in the world to witness this monumental eclipse. Bring your friends and family for a unique opportunity to learn from esteemed Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and enjoy four days of educational fun. With loads of free experiences to choose from, there is something for everyone at Niagara Parks,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
About Niagara Parks
Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions and adventure.
For more information, please visit niagaraparks.com
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