This is the first installment in our brand new series, “Our CEO’s Crazy Friends and Their Science Adventures”. Each episode is written by one of our CEO’s friends, who is not necessarily a science expert, but wants to share their passion for science.
Debbie Cantor Rothschild with her son and husband.
My name is Debbie and I’m the most unlikely person to be interested in science. I work in finance and have done my time on the marketing circuit, but science has never been my strong suit nor my interest. However, this all changed about a year ago when I started reading about the solar eclipse. After Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the heart” stopped playing through my head, I dug into research.
As I started to dive in, I learned that science was willing to meet to meet me halfway. I found podcasts, websites, and inserts in newspapers and magazines that talked to me, someone who doesn’t understand technical terms that I can’t pronounce. Neil Degrasse Tyson has done wonders for science in recent years. I think much of science is taking his lead. I discovered that living in Charleston, SC put me in the optimal location to view the eclipse. I devoured NASA’s website and other science articles – why it happens, what it is, how to view it, etc.
Solar Eclipse, Photo Credit: visitalton.com
Then I spread the gospel. I told friends who lived far away to make their hotel reservations and I told friends nearby to buy their special viewing glasses (I bought a 10 pack back in March). I discuss it every chance I get – not just what to serve at an eclipse party (black and white cookies, for sure) – but the science behind it. After several eye rolls, I’ve won over my friends too. Fortunately, both my husband and son are already interested into science, so they happily welcomed me aboard the science train.
I was thrilled when school was declared closed for the eclipse. Even more thrilled when invitations to eclipse parties started rolling in. I have already scouted prime locations, riding around at 2:30 in the afternoon to determine the best view. I’m happy to welcome NASA and the rest of the media to Charleston, SC. I know there are many other amazing things going on in science and I plan to learn all about them, too. Until then, I am counting down to the eclipse on August 21, 2017!
Here are some of my resources:
Nasa.gov – They are the go to and most of the information is clear and concise. They also have a store where you can buy glasses, t-shirts and other eclipse paraphernalia.
Eclipse2017.org – This site dedicates themselves to the safe observation of the eclipse and has a countdown on its page.
The New York Times – They have been running print and website articles all month. In the August 6th paper there was an eclipse insert filled with tons of info and pictures. Some of it is available online.
The 2017 Total Solar Eclipse podcast – this is great for regular podcast listeners. These are short tidbits about the eclipse and list our times in various locations.
Charleston CVB – if you will be lucky enough to be at the epicenter of the eclipse, google “Charleston Goes Dark” and you will be redirected to the Charleston CVB site which lists out all the events going on. Other cities have these too so check locally to see what is going on.
Learn more in The Journal of the American Medical Association’s (JAMA) “Safely Viewing Solar Eclipse” article published today.
Stay tuned for new episodes of “Our CEO’s Crazy Friends and Their Science Adventures”!