Get ready for a Total Solar Eclipse on campus, April 8th!

On April 8, 2024, at exactly 2:14 pm EDT, a total solar eclipse will begin in Burlington. From 3:26 - 3:29 pm EDT, the Sun will be completely blocked by our Moon as it passes between the Sun and Earth, darkening the skies as if it were dusk. In the case of clouds, it will be as dark as the middle of the night. Burlington saw its last total solar eclipse in 1932, and it won't see another until 2106.

The Vermont Space Grant Consortium and University of Vermont are teaming up with colleges and organizations across the state to bring safe, exciting, and educational events to UVM's campus for students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Join us on April 8th to watch this rare astronomical event!

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

the moon blocks the sun in a total solar eclipseAccording to NASA, "a solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the Sun’s light. This only happens occasionally because the Moon doesn't orbit in the exact same plane as the Sun and Earth do." 

The orbits of the Moon, Sun, and Earth only align twice per year in what is called eclipse season. However, the location where the eclipse is visible can be anywhere on our planet. For example, while Earth experiences two eclipses per year, Vermont has not seen a Total Solar Eclipse since 1932.

There are two types of solar eclipses, the Total and the Annular.

The University of Vermont will be in the middle of the path of totality for a Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th, 2024.

During a Total Solar Eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and completely covers the Sun. Areas within the "path of totality" are lined up perfectly with the Moon and Sun. This means that we will be standing entirely in the Moon's shadow.

An Annular Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but at nearly its furthest distance from Earth. Thus, it doesn't appear large enough from our vantage point to cover the entire Sun. The next Annular Eclipse is October 14, 2023, during which parts of Vermont will see only a partial eclipse.

Total, Anular, and Partial Eclipses look different.

The University of Vermont is excited to bring fun and educational content to campus leading up to and on the day of the eclipse, including:

  • Eclipse Seminar Series

  • Space-themed Trivia Nights

  • Eclipse Viewing Stations, fully equipped with telescopes and eclipse glasses

  • Space Research Fair

  • Space Art Exhibition

  • Movie Nights

  • NASA Citizen Science Projects

  • and more!!

This event and page are currently under development. Stay tuned for updates!

You can subscribe to the VT Space Grant eNewsletter

for monthly updates on eclipse preparations and all things NASA in Vermont.

Interested in volunteering during the eclipse or have a great idea for an activity?

Fill out this form to let us know how you and/or your group would like to be involved!