Featured graphic by Destiny Mizell
Story by Victoria Stone
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On Monday April 8, Murfreesboro residents will be able to witness 93% totality of a solar eclipse from 12:45 p.m. until around 3:00 p.m.
While primary schools in Rutherford County will be closed for liability reasons, public universities like Middle Tennessee State University will be open. Most professors are still having classes, but the eclipse is viewable from campus.
Good news for the campus community: the MTSU Observatory outside of the Wiser-Patten
Science Hall will be open (weather permitting) from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. No formal program, just fun observing. Parking is available in the Rutherford lot with bus transportation to Wiser-Pattern.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. It casts a shadow over parts of Earth and blocking the face of the sun for observers in those locations.
Dr. Chuck Higgins of MTSU’s Astronomy Department offered six tips to make the most out of Monday’s eclipse.
1. Wear solar eclipse glasses to view it.
2. Residents might notice a “twilight sky” around 2:00 p.m.
3. Notice the crescent-shaped sun under trees.
4. Make a pinhole camera to project it onto the ground. Never look directly at the Sun through the pin hole.
5. Notice your shadow near the time of maximum eclipse at 2:00 p.m. Shadows may appear darker and crisper due to the sliver of the sun.
6. Animals like birds get quiet in a quiet area.
As listed above, it is imperative to wear solar eclipse glasses to protect eyes during the
eclipse. Looking directly at the sun during the eclipse could cause permanent eye damage. Glasses must be ISO certified with silver on the front side and black on the inside. These glasses are much darker than sunglasses; Sunglasses will offer no protection.
Restaurants such as Smoothie King and Sonic are giving away glasses when patrons order special limited time drinks.
Though clouds are forecasted, viewers hope for clear skies at the time of the celestial event.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Destiny Mizell and Assistant Lifestyles Editor Shamani Salahuddin, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com. For more news, visit www.mtsusidelines.com, or follow us on Instagram at MTSUSidelines or on X at @MTSUSidelines.
