A total solar eclipse is set to occur on April 8, and people all around the country are preparing for this remarkable event. The concept of a solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, temporarily blocking out the sun’s light. Witnessing a total solar eclipse can be a truly unique experience for those who are lucky enough to see it.
Mark Breen, the planetarium director at the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury, describes the eclipse as a mysterious phenomenon that few people have the opportunity to witness. This year’s eclipse is particularly unique because it will pass over numerous American cities, giving more people the chance to see it than ever before. David Hockey, a professor of astronomy at the University of Northern Iowa, highlights the significance of this upcoming event.
To learn more about this rare celestial event known as “The Great American Eclipse,” a new half-hour TV special has been produced. The show includes discussions about the scientific aspects of solar eclipses by Mark Breen and Martina Arndt, a physics professor at Bridgewater State University. Tips on how to safely view the eclipse and a visit to a Winooski elementary school to demonstrate building a pinhole viewer are also featured.
Reporter Lexi Krupp explores a church in Burlington that organized a homestay program for eclipse visitors, bringing the community together. Rita Cambria, a science teacher at Peoples Academy, showcases the school’s unique observatory while Thomas Hockey delves into the history of eclipse observation in his book “America’s First Eclipse Chasers.”
“Eclipse 2024: Path to Totality” will premiere on Vermont Public’s main TV channel on Wednesday, March 27, at 8 p.m., and is currently available on demand for those interested in learning more about this fascinating upcoming event.
