On Apr. 8, students and staff had the opportunity to look out at the moon covering the sun during 7th hour and watch the solar eclipse.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon gradually covers the sun, taking between 70-80 minutes depending on the viewing location. This time, it passed over Canada, the US and Mexico, and over Grosse Pointe the sun was over 99% covered.
Staff members like librarian Courtney Johnson went out of their way to make this rare event more special for the kids. She started bringing in different astronomy books and set up a table with all things sun and moon related to educate kids beforehand.
“I knew I wanted to offer the opportunity to take the students outside for over a month,” Johnson said. “I even bought the glasses for tutorial students before spring break.”
Students like Ella Smith ’26 were grateful for the resources that Johnson had put out on display, noting that it prepared her well for what to anticipate on the big day.
“I think Mrs. Johnson really put it in our heads of what was going to happen,” Smith said. “So it was pretty cool to know what to expect.”
Science teacher Troy Hernandez also saw value in enhancing student’s experiences, but the idea was originally inspired by others.
“About a month before, someone asked us what we were doing for the eclipse,” Hernandez said. “So I kinda came up with having the telescopes out and some digital spectroscopes where we were taking some spectacle readings.”
Although more talk of the eclipse had arisen only in the leading days up to it, Hernandez believes that there are still some misconceptions that revolve around fear due to the rarity of this event.
“Eclipses are really nothing to worry about,” Hernandez said. “They happen two or four times a year, it’s just unique that it’s happening here.”
Other science fans like Johnson also emphasized the privilege that we have to be so close to the eclipse’s line and that it is an opportunity that no one should miss out of fear.
“I don’t think we should be scared of this,” Johnson said. “We should enjoy the science behind it and celebrate it more, I think we could’ve even got some music pumping and eating moon pies out here.”
