Explore the Wonder of the Total Solar Eclipse
Posted on: April 5, 2024
Back in 2017, Harrisonburg, Virginia, saw nearly 90% solar coverage during a total solar eclipse. On Monday, April 8, 2024, another total solar eclipse will occur, and Harrisonburg and JMU are lucky to look forward to similar 85-90% coverage! It is sure to be a fascinating event, and Liana Bayne-Lin, one of our Science & Math Librarians, put together a list of resources for those interested in learning more about this celestial phenomenon.
Video Resources:
For each of these links, check out the “Get JMU Access” section of the page, then click on the links under “Online Availability.” If you’re off campus, you might need to log in with your eID and Duo.
Quick learning
- Why a total solar eclipse is so magical
- Length: 1:39
- Demonstration of how solar and lunar eclipses occur
- Length: 1:27
- The Enlightening Eclipse
- Length: 1:53
- Demystified: Uncover the differences between solar and lunar eclipses
- Length: 4 minutes
Deeper dives
- The Great American Eclipse
- Length: 8:55
- Eclipse Over America
- Length: 53:15
- Life from above, Season 1, Episode 1, Moving planet
- Start around 44 minutes into the episode to learn about scientists studying the eclipse.
- Chasing Shadows: A Photographer Captures Solar Eclipses Around the World
- Length: 60 minutes
News resources:
To read news stories about the eclipse, head over to our Virtual Newsrack for links to popular news sources you can access using your JMU credentials. Check out our Physics & Astronomy research guide for links to trade publications like Physics Today and reference sources like AccessScience. Finally, the American Astronomical Society’s page on eclipses and NASA’s page on eclipses have lots of information on how to safely view the eclipse and more learning recommendations!
Safe viewing:
If you plan to view the eclipse, things may feel strange because of a phenomenon called the Purkinje Effect. Don’t look directly at the sun! You can only view the eclipse safely through indirect shadows or while using certified eclipse glasses. There will be a few areas on campus where you can safely view the eclipse with friends and colleagues!
- You can receive glasses at JMU Student Leadership and Involvement’s Eclipse Viewing Party on the Union Patio from 2:00-4:30pm on Monday, April 8!
- You can join the Physics & Astronomy department either on the Quad or at the Astronomy Park, located in the meadow behind the Physics & Chemistry Building on East Campus, to view the eclipse using glasses, Sunspotters, and, depending on the weather, telescopes, beginning around 3 p.m. on Monday, April 8.
Categorised in: JMU Libraries News