Hundreds of high school students gathered in the Reitz Bowl to watch today’s partial solar eclipse in the skies over Evansville. The sky grew darker and the temperature cooler as students began filing out of class shortly after 1 p.m. to view the eclipse.
Earth/space science teacher Jared Marsh said he’s been able to incorporate the eclipse into his teaching.
“I can actually just accelerate my unit and have the eclipse portion here," he said. "It’s very easy for us to research it, very easy for us to live stream it as the day was going on to kind of keep track of what’s happening.”
Even students not enrolled in science classes were able to benefit from the eclipse. The school bought protective glasses several months ago and gave a morning announcement informing students about eclipse history and safety.
Junior Melanie Wytovak said she’s glad the school took students out of class to view the eclipse first-hand.
“I thought it was really cool, especially since we got to take time out of class to go watch it," she said. " I probably wouldn’t have cared as much if we didn’t come out of class, but you got to look at the sun directly for like the first time in your life ever without damaging your eyes."
She said viewing today’s eclipse has made her excited for the next one in Evansville, when the city will be in the path of totality.
“I’m really ready for the total eclipse," she said. "I want to see totality. I’m all for it.”
That total solar eclipse will be April 8, 2024.
