Illinois State departments and RSOs Gears up for Solar Eclipse

Image Courtesy of Illinois State University

NORMAL Ill. – As the countdown to the highly anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse begins, the campus of Illinois State University is gearing up.

The total solar eclipse, a rare astronomical event where the moon completely obscures the sun, will cast its shadow across numerous states and cities, including Bloomington-Normal.

With just a few weeks left until the celestial spectacle unfolds on April 8, 2024, various campus organizations and RSOs are joining forces to ensure that students and the local community have an unforgettable experience.

Led by the Illinois State Emergency Management Department, the Astronomy Club, Office of Sustainability, Physics Club and several other campus groups are pulling out all the stops to make this event one to remember.

President of the Astronomy Club Brayden Safranek expresses excitement about the upcoming event, emphasizing its significance as a once-in-a-generation occurrence.

“We are trying to spread this huge historical event out to the student body to educate and inspire students on campus, to learn more about science, and be inspired by such an enormous astronomical event,” Safranek said. “With such a unique opportunity at hand, the Astronomy Club is diligently working to ensure that students are well-prepared to witness and appreciate this huge event”.

Emergency Management Director Eric Hodges highlights the unique plan for the 15,000 glasses provided for the event, after Illinois State uses them.

“American Society of Safety Professionals, Astronomy Club, Physics Club, Emergency Services and Solar Car Club are all involved for the last several months in putting in effort to distribute and then reclaim the glasses that people want to return”.

Hodges notes that if participants want to turn in glasses that are in good working order, they will be distributed to third world countries that have upcoming solar eclipses but can’t otherwise afford to buy them.

“So, the ones that we have here today will see another eclipse somewhere else in the world in the near future which is really exciting,” he said.

As the anticipation continues to build, one thing is clear: the 2024 total solar eclipse promises to be an unforgettable moment of science and wonder for all who witness it.

With the combined efforts of campus organizations, community partners, and enthusiastic sky watchers, Illinois State University is prepared to become a prime location of eclipse excitement come April 8.