Drew students witnessed the first total solar eclipse visible in the United States since 2017 on April 8 from around 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon covers the sun, creating a shadow on earth. There are three different kinds of eclipses: total, partial and annular. If one is in the path of totality, or total coverage, the moon will cover and appear to be the same size as the sun for a few minutes.
To bring excitement to this extraordinary event, the Hall of Science’s rooftop observatory was open for sign-up slots during the eclipse. On the roof, students could get a closer look at the eclipse through a properly filtered telescope.
For those who were not able to get a rooftop slot, Hoyt lawn was full of students accompanied by bubbles, music and of course, solar eclipse glasses. The Drew University Library sponsored the event, and provided students with special ISO certified solar eclipse glasses that protect one’s eyes from the bright light of the sun during the solar eclipse, as even looking for a few seconds can cause eye damage or blindness. The eclipse allowed students and faculty to connect over a rare experience and enjoy being outside together.
Amanda Brody (‘27) said, “It’s nice to see people together again,” in regards to having fun and taking a break from academics.
Some professors even held their classes outside so students would not have to choose between class or the eclipse. Even in the days following, the realization that spring weather is here brought more students outside sitting under trees, having picnics or setting up hammocks.
Grace Hochstaedder is a first-year majoring in psychology and minoring art.
