As the country prepares for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th, anticipation is high. This rare celestial event occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, blocking out the sun’s light. The experience of witnessing a total solar eclipse can be both awe-inspiring and mysterious.
Mark Breen, planetarium director at the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury, emphasizes the rarity of such an event. “Very few people have ever had the chance to see one,” he says. While the concept may be simple, the excitement and wonder surrounding this unique experience cannot be overstated.
This year’s eclipse is particularly special as it will pass over many American cities, allowing more people than ever before to witness it. David Hockey, a professor of astronomy at the University of Northern Iowa, highlights its significance: “Solar eclipses are not only fascinating from an astronomical standpoint but also provide us with a unique opportunity to collect valuable data.”
To help educate and inform viewers about this rare event, Vermont Public is airing a new half-hour TV special called “The Great American Eclipse.” The program features discussions on everything from collecting data during eclipses to safely viewing them without damaging your eyesight. It also includes visits to various locations where people are preparing for or hosting events related to the eclipse, such as a church in Burlington that organized a homestay program for visitors and an elementary school in Winooski demonstrating how to build a pinhole viewer. Thomas Hockey, author of “America’s First Eclipse Chasers,” delves into the history of eclipse observation as well.
Don’t miss “Eclipse 2024: Path to Totality” which will premiere on Vermont Public’s main TV channel on Wednesday, March 27th at 8 p.m., and be available on demand afterwards!