When I learned that April 8’s solar eclipse was passing through New England, I knew I couldn’t miss it. But I wanted to experience it in a unique location. No sooner did I order a special pair of eclipse glasses than I received an email from the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center announcing “The Great American Eclipse Viewing Celebration” event. Well, that was an easy decision!

For those of you following this blog for the last several years, the Discovery Center is where we primarily shot First Signal back in 2019. My last visit there was in 2021 when we had a special film screening. Naturally, I was looking forward to experiencing this celestial event at a location for which I have very fond memories.

As the eclipse itself wasn’t going to happen until mid-afternoon, the Discovery Center didn’t open until noon. However, ever the planner, of course, I arrived before the opening to ensure I would not only get a parking spot but for any unforeseen traffic. Fortunately, the drive up didn’t take any longer than usual. With over 1,000 people attending the event, along with several media outlets, it was great to see such a gathering of people that had a singular focus—to see a solar eclipse.

What I have always enjoyed about the Discovery Center is that I learn something new on every visit. Unlike some museums that target either adults or children, the Discovery Center smartly targets both. No matter your age, you’re going to learn something. For me, I learned about the reaction of silica and water. That science was the basis for one of my favorite 1950s sci-fi films The Monolith Monsters.

Naturally, I walked around the center to the places where we filmed First Signal. The first room I visited was where the “underground bunker” scenes were filmed where the President of the United States attended a classified meeting. Sure, there was a twinge of sadness seeing a room that no longer resembled “set” but it was also a motivator to get the sequel into production at some point.

I am delighted to say that the script for First Launch is doing well on the festival circuit. With 12 wins, 1 honorable mention, and 6 official selections, I’m more than pleased with the results to date. Not one to rest on my literal “laurels” I could not be more thankful for every selection of First Launch. When I consider that this script is a sequel and that the competition in these festivals is extremely competitive, my heartfelt thanks to all the juries that enjoyed the continuation of the story that started with First Signal.

Of course, the challenge when attending an eclipse is obtaining a picture for posterity. However, as the location I was at had 96% totality, my cellphone wasn’t exactly equipped for this probably a once-in-a-lifetime event for me. But the eclipse picture you see I did take with my phone. How? When one is at a science center observing the sky, someone usually has a telescope. Thankfully, we were allowed to take a picture through the lens.

Next event.