In the Media

IN THE MEDIA

Most people learn about the wonder of totality from the media. But all too often, the media focuses on sensational stories that miss the real magic of the experience.

That’s why I’m eager to share my knowledge and insights with the media and help them paint a more accurate and thrilling picture of what a total solar eclipse truly is.

So if you’re a journalist, podcaster, or documentary maker looking to add a touch of wonder and inspiration to your eclipse coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to share the real story of the total solar eclipse.

I share my personal experiences of chasing eclipses all over the world for the last two decades. I also draw from my research on the human experience of totality, and my leadership role in community planning for these once-in-a-lifetime events. I’m ready to share my passion and excitement with anyone who will listen.

The eclipse experience is difficult to put into words or neat sound bites. Interviews can take a little while to share the essence of the eclipse experience or the motivations of an eclipse chaser. If you are looking for a quick sound bite, feel free to use something from this website or my books. If you are looking for more depth and detail, then get in touch for an interview.

In 2023-24 I was featured in the following:

USA Today, National Geographic, Washington Post, CNBC News, Scientific American, The Planetary Society, Space.com, New York Times Daily, Sky & Telescope Magazine, Sky & Telescope Blog, Vice, Forbes, The Weather Channel, CNN Business, Columbus Monthly, CBC National News, CBN News, CBS News, CNY Central, CGTN, San Antonio Living, Austin Chronicle, Science Friday, Atlas Obscura, Times Radio London, BBC World Service, Channel 5 News, BBC News (multiple), ABC News (Multiple), Milwaukee Journal, and many more.

I also contributed to several documentaries, numerous podcasts, recorded presentations, and numerous interviews and workshops as part of my national leadership role in the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Solar Eclipse Task Force.

On eclipse day on April 8, 2024, I did back-to-back interviews with the world’s media leading up to and following totality.  Some of these include:

ABC Australia (DC), Today Show (Australia), BBC World Service, CBS Evening News, Sunrise on 7 (Australia), NBC News Now, ABC News, BBC News London, NBC (Universal), Slooh.

One day I will have the time to update this page and direct link to many of these outputs.

 

Live broadcasts

I really enjoy participating in live broadcasts before every total eclipse, as it really helps to set the scene and convey the excitement of what it is like to be within the path of totality. It is incredibly exciting and thrilling, and I do get rather excitable! Before the total eclipse of 2017, for example, I took part in eight live broadcasts on eclipse day. The clip below with the BBC was recorded live 20 minutes before totality, and I was on location in Grand Teton National Park as the Moon’s shadow was approaching. This was one of my favourite live interviews of the day, and as you can see the interviewer really did pick up on the fab vibe!

For annular eclipses, I often do not travel, but I still take part in live shows to help convey what the experience is like. There is often much more time to go indepth into the eclipse experience. Here are two live broadcasts from annular eclipses recorded with Slooh, from September 1, 2016 and February 26, 2017. Both times I was live from Belfast.

I have undertaken many live radio interviews before and after total eclipses. I actually enjoy building up a picture of what the vibe is like at my location and sharing that excitement. However, there are two caveats to this:

– mobile phone reception is often poor in remote locations, and if phone reception is poor at my viewing location I will not move purely to get a phone signal

– I stop all interviews from 15 minutes prior to totality so I can fully enjoy the experience

– There is no guarantee that I can provide coherent live interviews after totality, as I’m all a bit gah-gah just like everybody else!

Documentaries

I have now taken part in several eclipse-related documentaries, that aim to help share the eclipse experience with a wide audience, with a selection here.

When two Americans venture off to Antarctica to chase an astronomical event that will black out the sun, they uncover madness, obsession and an identity crisis at the heart of the darkness.
Short clip advertising the featured documentary “The Eclipse Chaser” for MetroTV’s 360 Horizon show. The documentary was broadcast in full one week after the total solar eclipse. Credit: MetroTV

Radio & Podcasts

I am a huge fan of doing local radio interviews from within the community in the lead up to every eclipse. I believe this is the best way to engage the community, and it is a way to create buzz and share key information and resources. I did this extensively in 2012 in Australia; in the Faroe Islands in 2015, and also extensively in many states in 2017. I think radio phone in’s are a great way to address the ‘why should I care’ feel many locals have when they are not yet informed of why the total eclipse is something they would also enjoy.

I have also now participated in a quite a few eclipse-related podcasts, which are often longer, giving so much more time to delve into different aspects of the eclipse experience. A selection of these can be heard here, and are all worthy of a listen.

BECOME A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CHASER

GIMLET PODCAST: RAPTURE CHASERS

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN: BBC WORLD SERVICE

DARK SIDE OF THE SUN FINAL: BBC RADIO 4

LOOKING UP: BBC EARTH

Media Panels

Before every total eclipse, I get overwhelmed with with media requests – as do other eclipse folk who engage in eclipse outreach activities. As we are often asked the same questions repeatedly, we have found media panels are very effective at managing the chaos leading up to eclipse day, helping everyone meet tight deadlines. This is a model I encourage where possible to help ease the burden on those who are trying to engage in eclipse outreach leading up to every eclipse.

Dr Kate Russo, eclipse 2015, media panel, eclipse chaser
Media Panel 1 with Visit Faroe Islands. Credit: The Associated Press
Dr Kate Russo, eclipse chaser, eclipse 2015, media panel
Media Panel 2 with Visit Faroe Islands. Credit: Visit Faroe Islands.

MEDIA TESTIMONIALS

“Thanks very much for your articulate contribution to the programme, and for really sharing with us what it is like to witness an eclipse of the sun, and the uniqueness of the experience.”

 

Anne Khazam, Producer, BBC World Service radio, London

“Thanks so much, Kate! It was fun talking to you. All of you eclipse folks are a joy to talk to. Thanks for taking the time out of your day to make it happen.”

 

Lucas Reilly, Reporter, Mental Floss

“It was so great to meet you! The conversation was perfect for the article and made me very anxious for the eclipse to get here already.”

 

Sarah Scoles, Journalist, Discover Magazine

“You were great to interview – I was just telling my editor. Your ‘eclipse chaser’ photo encapsulates what I was telling her!”

 

Jessica Chambers, Reporter, Planet Jackson Hole

“Thank you for an amazing interview!”

 

Flora Lichtman, Science Journalist, Every Little Thing – Gimlet Media

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