Principians Celebrate the Great Solar Eclipse
Yes, it was “#TotalityAwesome!”—as the T-shirts sported by the dozens of volunteers on campus said.
And we’re not just talking about the Great Solar Eclipse—which was spectacular! We’re also talking about the enveloping sense of shared enthusiasm and joy that drew more than 2,000 people to the School campus on August 21, including students from both the School and College, neighbors, parents, and alumni and friends from around the country and as far away as Hawaii and Zambia.
Dr. Laurance Doyle, Director of Principia College’s Institute for the Metaphysics of Physics, helped turn everyone—from the littlest preschooler to longtime alumni—into science students. In simple terms, he explained this celestial phenomenon, noting what to look for and when, during a brief talk in a jam-packed McCalmont Gym.
Armed with this understanding—and with the necessary safety glasses provided by Principia’s Alumni & Field Relations Office—the crowd then made its way to the turf football field to enjoy an alfresco lunch and catch up with friends. School and College students and faculty stepped up to the occasion with informational displays and booths highlighting the solar car program at the College and science and robotics classes at the School. And since it takes a while for the Moon to move into perfect alignment with the Sun, corn hole toss games and giant-bubble-blowing competitions kept younger viewers occupied for the hour or so between the Moon’s first “contact” with the Sun and totality.
Speaking from the field, Doyle began a measured countdown, letting the crowd know when to look for shadow bands, Bailey’s Beads, the Diamond Ring Effect, and—of course—totality. With glasses off for approximately two minutes of totality, everyone present was able to view the Sun’s corona flaming out past the Moon’s orb. Collective gasps and cheers went up from the crowd.
Whether you were watching the eclipse from afar—or right here on campus—we’re sure you’ll enjoy the video above. Totally awesome, right?!