The next time you MIGHT have a chance to see a total eclipse of the sun, most of today’s Paschal’s students will be well into their 40s. Ms. Buckner and Mr. King might be ready to retire and Mr. Martinez will still be young… BUT the Solar eclipse on April 8th is rare and Paschal is preparing for a big solar event.
The solar eclipse, happening Monday, April 8th around noon, will be an exciting day for the citizens of Fort Worth and Paschal Panthers. The Solar Eclipse is rare, especially to be this visible in North Texas. According to a Time Observer article interview of NASA administrators,“ this will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044.”
Paschal earth and space teacher, Mr. Sheer explains the science behind the rare phenomenon. He has demonstrated exactly what happens during a solar eclipse in his earth and space classroom.
“I did the demonstration using the globe(earth) and tennis ball(moon) so then we used a spotlight(sun) in the Todd theater. I shine the light on the moon then the light forces are blocked by the moon. Behind the moon is a shadow and if the earth and the moon and the sun are perfectly lined up which doesn’t happen often, then you get a little shadow in a very small spot it’s only about 100 miles wide.”
Mr. Sheer further explains the potential for spiritual and personal growth that could be influenced by the eclipse for some individuals. “It has the potential to change your life in the way that you will understand your place in the universe more after you witness it. I’m not saying that would happen for everyone, it might just get dark and feel cold but you could have a real epiphany.”
On April 8th underclassmen will attend school while Seniors will celebrate the day at Alley Cats amusement center. For students at Paschal, the schedule will be completely altered. Thanks to Mrs. Pate and the other assistant principals, there will be food trucks provided on campus for staff and students.
According to Mrs. Pate, “All students will be given an eclipse screen to use to view the Eclipse. This event will be held on the football field. ALL students will have 2nd lunch that day with 3rd period from 11:35 -12:45 and lunch until 2 p.m. The actual Eclipse will last approximately 2.5 hours from beginning to end.
Furthermore, she explains “Dr. Scheer and the science teachers will have telescopes and viewing boxes on the football field. NO students will be allowed in the building during this time. If a student does not want to participate, they can go to the Gus.”
