The beauty of a solar eclipse is vastly unappreciated. The rarity of the event is somewhat unaccounted for, and the beauty of a natural eclipse is taken for granted by most waiting for it. For eclipse chasers and science aficionados, its best aspects are what lead up to the moment under a disappeared sun – planning the event, learning about the wonder it ensues, and watching as the moon creeps up on sunny afternoon. These were the pillars that set up their plans for making the most out of April 8th.
Science teacher Tracy Grace is one of the most passionate about the event. As the main planner of the for the school’s outdoor eclipse endeavor, she knows how important it is for the younger generation to experience the once in a lifetime event.
“The eclipse was amazing! I wanted everyone to experience it the way I do because it’s so rare and real, accessible evidence of science in action,” Grace said.
Grace traveled to Saint Louis to see the totality of the last eclipse in 2017. So as this eclipse approached, her past experience and overall excitement for her students drove her to prepare the unforgettable memory. Beyond Wisconsin, she hopes to spark scientific joy elsewhere for other students worldwide.
“I ordered eclipse glasses last May because I was so excited and knew they would sell out. What I am most excited about is the next total eclipse, which is coming up in South America. Since the glasses from our event are still in great condition, I’m donating them to the less-fortunate kids there,” Grace said.
Like Grace, Lori Pedrick, school registrar, was eager for the eclipse. Pedrick and her husband are seasoned eclipse travelers who visited Missouri’s Poplar Bluff last weekend to catch totality and Wyoming in 2017 to do the same.
“The eclipse is such a unique event that is both rare and natural. The absence of human intervention makes me think wow, this is so much greater than me,” Pedrick said.
Pedrick’s husband created an exclusive app that can track any eclipse totality, time, duration, and interference with weather in a given area. Although not currently available on the app store, EclipseNAV is something she and her husband cherish.
Math teacher Steven Manor also traveled to see the eclipse, stopping in Cleveland, Ohio.
“The eclipse is incredibly special – it’s a once in a lifetime experience, or at least pretty rare,” Manor said.
Even though the view from the football field didn’t reach totality, students were still awe-struck by the impressive 90 percent.
Libby Gilbertson, junior, was one of many students to take the football field, the same event coordinated by Grace. For Gilbertson, the event was something she’ll never forget.
“Watching the sun slowly get covered by the moon was really exciting. It was fun being able to watch it with my friends,”Gilbertson said.
