Once a year, Indiana University-Bloomington proudly hosts Science Fest, a vibrant occasion designed to share the wonders of science with the public. This year, in an exciting shift, Science Fest was moved to the spring to celebrate the Total Solar Eclipse happening in Bloomington, IN! Attracting a diverse audience including students, families, educators, and children, Science Fest offered a plethora of engaging activities for everyone!
From captivating volcano demonstrations to enlightening history slams focused on eclipses of the past, Science Fest showcased all kinds of learning activities catering towards all age groups, including ScIU’s own science trivia game! The Stellar Science Fest attracted hundreds of people, providing an abundance of fun educational science experiments, demonstrations and hands-on learning experiences.
The Total Solar Eclipse
Residents and travelers to Bloomington, IN are preparing to witness a celestial spectacle of extraordinary proportions — the Total Solar Eclipse, a rare phenomenon occurring once every 375 years. Happening April 8th, 2024! During this event, the sun will be entirely blocked by the moon, casting its captivating shadow onto the Earth. As the Sun, Moon, and Earth all align precisely, the moon’s shadow will project onto the Earth, plunging us into a brief but enchanting four-minute twilight in the midst of midday.
When observing this incredible event, safety is paramount. It is imperative to use special eclipse filters to shield your eyes. Only when the sun is completely obscured by the moon is it safe to remove the filters. Gazing directly at the sun poses a risk of irreversible retinal damage. Therefore, it is also important to refrain from using telescopes or binoculars, as they amplify the sun’s rays. Even sunglasses, though tempting, lack the necessary protection against the sun’s intense rays.
Brace yourself for an epic and unforgettable experience. The Total Solar Eclipse promises to be a rare moment of cosmic wonder that will leave an indelible mark to all who witness it. So, mark your calendars, secure your eclipse glasses, and make sure to check out the eclipse! And for those unable to witness firsthand, check out the beautiful images from the eclipse!
– Savannah Ahmad and The ScIU Team
Acknowledgements:
Information from College of Arts and Sciences – Science Fest
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