Monday, April 8, the spectacular phenomenon of a total eclipse passed over Anderson, Indiana for the first time since 957. Many professors canceled class, allowing students to attend Anderson University’s watch party on the football field with protective eclipse glasses, games, snacks and an excellent view of the sky.
The night before at 6 p.m., Sunday, April 7, a panel by three AU professors on the eclipse was held in Nicholson Library. Tyler Williamson, professor of physics and astronomy, discussed the science behind an eclipse and gave details of what to expect for tomorrow; including the temperature drop, how to be safe with viewing the eclipse, the effect of the eclipse on wildlife and more.
David Murphy, P.hd., discussed the significance of eclipses and astronomical observation throughout history, while Jason Parks, P.hd., told the storytelling value and methods of eclipses in oral, written and cinematic media.
Amelia Zuehls, a sophomore nursing major attended both the seminar and the eclipse viewing party. “I’m a history nerd, so I liked Dr. Murphy’s presentation,” said Zuehls. “I liked the different perspectives.”
Another student, Owen Smith, a junior Bible and religion major, found the panel a fun pretext for the next day. “I thought it was very interesting. I learned a lot about the history of eclipses and of the literary references to them.” When Smith was asked if he had ever viewed a total eclipse before, he laughed and said “I have not. I was not alive in 957 when the last one happened here.”
The eclipse panel had garnered the presence of about 25 faculty, staff and students. The watch party on the Anderson football field had a turn out of 200. CAB provided some snacks, water and AU themed eclipse glasses.
As the partial eclipse began at 1:51 p.m., attendees layed out their blankets and began watching the eclipse. Cornhole, can jam, soccer balls, volleyballs, frisbees and other activities were also on the field.
Junior Jacqueline Dechund, an English education major, expressed her enthusiasm for the holiday-like event, as many professors canceled class during the timeframe of the eclipse. “I’m really excited. It’s cool to be with all these other people. It’s a little funny wearing the glasses but it’s also kind of cool.”
President John S. Pistole referred to Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands,” and said, “What a privilege we have to experience this live and in person… We’re created to celebrate life and this is just an amazing thing.”
At 3:07 p.m. the total eclipse began. The sky darkened and viewers took their protective glasses off. The audience clapped and cheered before enjoying the silence and watching the eclipse until the totality passed 3:10 p.m.
Many began to stream out of the football field after the sky became light again, although some guests stayed until around 4:23 p.m. when the partial eclipse ended and the sun was once again wholly uncovered.
This was a day to remember, as the next total eclipse over Anderson, Indiana is predicted for 2505, over 400 years from now! For AU students, Monday has felt like a pseudo-holiday, and now has sights not set on the stars but on finishing the semester.