Did you know that there is a solar eclipse coming up on Monday, April 8th, 2024? Cassingham and many schools in the area are closing for the day so that students can see it. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited! So much so that recently, I sat down with Mrs. Pamela Sexton who is a Middle School Science teacher at Bexley Middle School to interview her about it.

Mrs Sexton, why is this a special occasion? 

It is very special because the next time this will happen it will be 2099!

Where can you get glasses? 

Every student in the district will get NASA approved solar eclipse viewing glasses - community members can get glasses from places such as the Bexley Public Library.

Where is the closest spot to view it?

The best place to see the eclipse (if the weather cooperates) from Bexley is to travel north. Some cities near us within the path of totality are: Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo, Bowling Green, Akron. We are very close to the path of totality in Bexley, so from here it will still be impressive!

How does a solar eclipse happen?

During the New Moon Phase, when the Sun, Moon and Earth are in direct alignment a solar eclipse could happen. The reason this doesn’t happen each New Moon Phase is because the Moon also has a 5 degree tilt, so in its orbit it often is above or below the Earth. 

Why do you need glasses? 

Looking at the sun could damage your vision for the rest of your life. It is extremely important that no one ever looks directly into the sun (eclipse or not!) The certified NASA glasses are the only glasses situated for this particular eclipse.

Why won't you be able to see it from Bexley?

We are just outside the path of totality. We are in the lighter part of the shadow called the Penumbra in Bexley. The darker part of the shadow where you may see the total solar eclipse is called the Umbra.

Why are they saying that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity? 

Because this has not happened in Ohio since 1806!

Are there solar eclipses on other planets?

It depends. Mars’ moons are too small to cover up the moon entirely, but Jupiter’s moons are big enough. To answer your question, yes. 

Alright folks, grab your NASA approved glasses and look up! Get ready for an awesome adventure! Lila Marcovitch, Bexley columnist signing off! Over and out!