Solar Eclipse 2024

Please note: this program was originally scheduled for Feb. 17 but moved to March 2 due to possible weather issues.

Solar Eclipse 2024 - presented by Prof. Edward Murphy, Department of Astronomy, UVA

On April 8, 2024, the shadow of the Moon will sweep across the Earth. This will be the last total solar eclipse seen across most of the United States until 2045. The partial phases of the eclipse will be visible throughout Virginia and are well worth watching.

To prepare teachers for the eclipse, the Department of Astronomy and Center for Liberal Arts at the University of Virginia will offer a half day workshop for teachers to learn about the eclipse, to learn how to view it safely, and to learn about the phases of the Moon.

The workshop is open to all K-12 teachers in Virginia. It will be about 4.5 hours long and will include the following topics:

A description of the 2024 total solar eclipse,
A summary of what to see during the eclipse,
A hands-on, outside session on safely viewing the Sun and solar eclipses, and
A hands-on session on the phases of the Moon (why eclipses occur) to tie into the Standards of Learning.
For participating in the workshop, each teacher will receive a few pairs of safe solar viewing glasses.

Agenda

11:00 - 11:15
Introductions, review schedule for the day

11:15 - 12:15
The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

12:15 - 12:45
Lunch

12:45 – 1:15
What will you see during the eclipse?

1:15 – 2:00
Safely viewing the Sun and solar eclipses (outside, hands-on)

2:00 – 2:15
Coffee break

2:15 – 3:30
A hands-on session on the phases of the Moon (why eclipses occur)

Prof. Murphy will also be giving a hour long talk about preparing for the eclipse at the UVA Library on February 27 as part of their STEM 4 Everyone series. This is open to anyone at UVA.

This program is sponsored by the UVA Department of Astronomy and: