Total Solar Eclipse to Happen Monday by: Delani Bauer

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse (dubbed the Great North American Eclipse and  also the Great American Eclipse) will take place at the Moon’s ascending node on Monday, April 8 and will be visible across North America.

Hardin-Simmons University will be hosting a viewing party at the Bridges Courtyard from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.  The first 150 attendees will receive free eclipse viewing glasses, and popcorn will be served to everyone.  This is a perfect time to connect with your peers and watch an extraordinary work of God.

Texas is one of North America’s 15 lucky states that will have the opportunity to view the total eclipse.  The other 35 states will only be able to partially view this remarkable sight.  Abilene is the perfect place to be during the eclipse.  It will first be seen in Mexico and then travel through the United States before reaching Canada.  

The solar eclipse is a rare occurrence when the sun, moon,and earth are completely aligned.  Because the moon is covering the sun, as an end result, parts of the earth in a narrow path will briefly turn the light of day into dark of night.    

On October 14, 2023, Abilene and the rest of North America experienced a partial solar eclipse.  The last total solar eclipse occurred in 2017.  The next total solar eclipse is not expected to happen until 2045.

The duration of the total eclipse only lasts around 3 to 5 minutes.  This is definitely not something that you want to miss.  The HSU viewing party will give you apt time to see the eclipse in its totality. 

For just a few moments, viewers will be surrounded by complete darkness while the moon nearly covers the entire sun.  This will create a ring-shaped shadow-like effect.

It is important to take safety precautions when viewing the eclipse.  Viewers should never look directly at the sun because doing so could damage your eyes.  Even if the moon appears to be completely covering the sun, you can not directly view it.  You should also not view it through the lens of a camera or phone.  This is why HSU students will be given special solar eclipse viewing glasses.     

You will not want to miss this once in a lifetime event. Sit back and enjoy the show.  Do not forget to bring your friends and your eclipse glasses.