RoundupReads ICYMI: Open House and Eclipse Celebration at NASA Johnson

ICYMI: Open House and Eclipse Celebration at NASA Johnson

by Sumer Loggins | 2023-10-17

On Oct. 14, 2023, NASA’s Johnson Space Center held its first open house celebration since 2018. This year’s event was extra special since it coincided with an annular solar eclipse. The once-in-a-lifetime experience marked many milestones at NASA, including the agency’s 65th anniversary, the International Space Station's 25th anniversary, and the upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon.  

Nearly 13,000 people gathered at Johnson to witness the awe and wonder of human spaceflight. Visitors learned about NASA’s various missions and explored the famous Mission Control Center, Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, and Human Health and Performance Laboratory.  

Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche began the celebration with opening remarks, and directly addressed the Artemis Generation. “As you tour the center, know that you are part of our historic past and our exciting future,” said Wyche. “Today, we get to share the incredible work we’re doing for the benefit of humanity.” Wyche highlighted the diverse range of careers within NASA, assuring young people that regardless of their skill set, there are opportunities available at the agency. “Your next giant leap could start here.” 

A person wearing eclipse glasses looking up at the sky in a crowd. She is wearing a grey shirt that has an astronaut and Open House logo on it with a grey sweater.
Clear Creek Independent School District band and choir students look up at the annular eclipse wearing protective eyeglasses during the 2023 Open House at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Credit: NASA/David DeHoyos 

The day was jam-packed with events and activities for space enthusiasts, including a virtual reality zone, scavenger hunt, solar eclipse viewing program, and astronaut meet-and-greets with NASA astronauts Randy Bresnik, Joe Acaba, Jonny Kim, Stephanie Wilson, and Kjell Lindgren. NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara, currently aboard the International Space Station, participated in a live downlink Q&A with the audience. Aerospace Engineer Matthew Wilkinson gave a solar eclipse presentation, and NASA astronaut Anne McClain shared her spaceflight story and perspective. Musical performances were provided by Emerge Employee Resource Group and the Clear Creek Independent School District band and choir leading up to the solar eclipse.  

Visitors explored the Driven to Explore mobile exhibit that contains Moon rocks collected during Apollo missions, a spacesuit photo-op, astronaut food, a training glove and helmet, and eight immersive 4K monitors. An internship booth provided information to students seeking mentorship and career opportunities at NASA. “Cosmic Conversations” were held in the Teague Auditorium, featuring leaders across NASA and commercial industries. The presentations touched on NASA’s collaboration with international and commercial partners as we move forward to the Moon and Mars.  

A person in a white polka dot dress speaking at a podium.
Houston Youth Poet Laureate Ariana Lee shares her space-themed poem in front of building 1 at Johnson’s Open House on Oct. 14, 2023. Credit: NASA/David DeHoyos 

The 2023 Houston Youth Poet Laureate Ariana Lee celebrated the momentous occasion by sharing a poem about the “Ring of Fire” eclipse and spaceflight achievements that inspire everyone. “We witness our world with wonder. But we don’t just wish and wait. We aspire and act,” she read. “If we move through life with small steps, let us move life with giant leaps.” 

Food vendors at Johnson’s 2023 Open House and Solar Eclipse Viewing included Gina’s Italian, Dickey’s Barbecue, Luchos Tex Mex, Burger Nation, Royal Tea & Coffee Co., Cool Cow Creamery, Seoulside Wings, Uncle Louis Italian Ice, JS Firehouse BBQ, Salata, Vegan Vybe, and Eat Me Thai Street. 

Nine people gathered together at a booth with grass behind them.
Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche and Director of External Relations Arturo Sanchez smile with a group of volunteers at the Boeing Company booth in Rocket Park. Credit: NASA/David DeHoyos 

***

View more images on Imagery Online. If you were a part of the celebration, please share your thoughts on the experience via this survey.

Scroll below for a video of Ariana Lee's "Ring of Fire" poem and the Expedition 70 downlink.

Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Groups of people gather for Open House celebrations at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Previous Article
Next Article