2024 Solar Eclipse at Saint Michael’s College
Celebrating the total solar eclipse on campus
On April 8, 2024, students, faculty, and staff gathered outside at Saint Michael’s College to view a total solar eclipse — a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. At exactly 2:14 p.m., the moon began moving across the sun before eclipsing it completely at 3:26 p.m. for three minutes.
Saint Michael’s College Physics Professor and astrophysicist Alain Brizard, Ph.D., was on hand to provide guidance and education throughout the eclipse. Hear about his experience in the video above.
Professor Brizard also held a talk, “A solar eclipse to remember: Everything you need to know for April 8” on Wednesday, April 3, during which he described the history of eclipses, why they’re so rare, and what to look for on April 8. A recording of that video can be found below.
“A solar eclipse to remember: Everything you need to know for April 8”
Watch the recording of Professor Brizard’s April 3, 2024 talk, below:
Total solar eclipses are often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and parts of Vermont got to witness the celestial phenomenon on April 8, 2024. So, why did this happen? And why are total solar eclipses so rare?
Professor Brizard, an astrophysicist, discussed the different types of eclipses and some of the history of their discovery. He described what to expect during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 – especially during totality – and how to view these events safely. These events had the potential to be especially spectacular on April 8 because the sun was entering a phase of maximum activity. Professor Brizard explained how that might affect the experience as well.
Follow along using the slideshow presented by Professor Brizard:
Countdown to the Eclipse with Dr. Alain Brizard
Professor Brizard spoke to local television news reporter Jack Thurston at NBC5, breaking down specific aspects of the eclipse. Watch his appearances below:
March 4, 2024: Key Terms to Know for a Total Solar Eclipse
March 5, 2024: Spectacles to Look For on April 8th
March 6, 2024: Advice to Save your Sight
March 7, 2024: Great Eclipse Could Advance Science
March 8, 2024: Myths and Misunderstandings About Eclipses
Professor Brizard’s other media appearances and interviews can be found below: