Brooklyn students enjoy the astronomical spectacle as the world’s only total solar eclipse crosses the Americas this year!
On April 8, 2024, the moon crosses between the sun and the earth. When the moon is directly aligned with the sun, the moon covers the surface of the sun and casting a shadow on the Earth. A total solar eclipse appeared in the North American sky and created a dusk or dawn scene during the day. North America gets the only total solar eclipse on the planet this year.
— Total Solar Eclipse —
Photographed by Ma Yijia
The sky over Toronto on April 8 darkened between 2:04 p.m. and 4:31 p.m., with the peak of the total solar eclipse occurring at 3:19 p.m. Brooklyn students, organised and led by faculty members, were able to experience this wonderful astronomical spectacle together!
Prior to the start of the eclipse, Principal of Brooklyn College and faculty members gave a unique lecture on astrophysics.
Teachers explained in detail the causes and principles of solar eclipses, the pattern of solar eclipses and the different forms they take when they occur, as well as various matters that should be noted when watching solar eclipses, and gave each student total solar eclipse glasses to ensure that their eyes would not be harmed when observing the spectacle.
Students participated in the lectures and conducted simulation experiments on the causes of solar eclipses under the guidance of the teachers to experience the wonders of astrophysics.
Through the lively and interesting lectures, the students understood more about the origin of the total solar eclipse phenomenon and were more excited about the upcoming total solar eclipse!
After the lecture, students were led by their teachers to go outdoors and put on their total solar eclipse observation glasses, ready to witness this rare astronomical landscape together.
After the eclipse began, the sky gradually darkened, the sun was covered by the moon, and the originally bright sunny afternoon was instantly transformed into the twilight of 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. in the evening of a sunny day. Everyone took out their mobile phones and photo equipment to record this unforgettable natural wonder.
It’s worth noting that the next total solar eclipse is expected to occur on 23 August 2044, according to NASA, so if you miss this one you’ll have to wait another 20 years.
Through this activity of observing the whole process of total solar eclipse, the Brooklyn students were guided to understand the principle of interaction between the Earth and the various celestial bodies of the Sun and the Moon, to stimulate their curiosity and exploration of astronomy and physics, and to maintain their quest and love for knowledge and science. Look up to the sky together and feel the power of nature.
