CCHS Students Experience Solar Eclipse

On the afternoon of Monday, April 8, the moon covered the sun, and millions of people gazed upwards at this natural phenomenon: the solar eclipse. Across the nation, excited viewers gathered with their eclipse glasses to marvel at a spectacle not viewed since August 21, 2017. This eclipse’s totality lasted four minutes and twenty-eight seconds. 

Because Charlotte did not have a complete view of totality, students at CCHS saw only 79.7% of a total eclipse. However, people all over North America experienced a moment in mid-day as though it were dusk or dawn, lasting from 1:53 p.m. to 4:26 p.m. EST. The peak was at 3:11 p.m. EST. The eclipse started in Mazatlán, Mexico crossing the United States (Texas to Maine) ending in Canada.

Photo Credit: Maggie Myers

People not in the path of the complet eclipse flocked to areas of totality to catch a glimpse of this fantastic sight in places such as San Antonio, Texas; Syracuse, New York; and Indianapolis, Indiana. According to a Fox Business article, 90% of Airbnb rentals in the eclipse’s path were booked.

This eclipse was unlike the one in 2017. It covered a different area of the United States, and occurred over more populated cities with the number of viewers projected at 31.6 million people according to NASA. 

The eclipse was a rare moment for all. However, it posed a concern among parents. How could their children safely view the eclipse during the school day, especially with students getting out at the eclipse’s peak? Some schools decided to delay dismissal. Some offered half-days or full days off in states within the totality zone like New York, Indiana, Texas, Ohio, and Vermont. Others encouraged students to bring their own protective eyewear or, like Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, purchased glasses for the entire school.

On March 30, 2033 Alaskans will get to see another total eclipse, but most Americans will only catch a quick glimpse of the event. The next total eclipse  occuring over the continental United States will not be until August 22, 2044. Unfortunately, only those  in North Dakota, Montana, or northern Canada will experience totality. For the rest of the 48 states, especially the states of California, Oklahoma, and Florida, the next coast to coast eclipse will be recorded on August 12, 2045.

Photo Credit: WCCB Charlotte/Richard Groves