Our very own 4th Grade Learning Expert Teacher (LET), Mr. Chris, recently embarked on an astronomical adventure! Traveling with his family to Gatesville, Texas, he experienced the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total solar eclipse and shares it with us here. Mr. Chris’s dedication to this experience reflects his passion for learning and exploration. He brings this same energy to the classroom every day, inspiring his students and colleagues.

A Glimpse Through Mr. Chris’s Lens

A passionate amateur astronomer, Mr. Chris meticulously planned this trip for a year. Witnessing totality for a breathtaking 4 minutes and 15 seconds was an experience he won’t soon forget. While we can’t fully replicate the magic of the moment, Mr. Chris brings his infectious enthusiasm to life through incredible photos and an engaging video. Read on to hear his first-hand account.

This week, a rare celestial event cast a shadow over our part of the world – the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse of 2024! I hope everyone had a chance to safely observe this remarkable phenomenon.

For me, the experience transcended mere observation. I had the incredible fortune of traveling with my family to Gatesville, Texas, where we witnessed totality unfold on a quiet country road, nestled between a cow farm and an army base. Being just outside the direct path, we were still treated to an unforgettable 4 minutes and 15 seconds of complete darkness.

I’m excited to share some photos and a video with you, including some stunning close-ups captured by my dad’s telescope. You’ll see details like Baily’s Beads and the sun’s corona, which the telescope rendered in an almost mythical green hue, although that is not the actual color.

In the video, you might hear us mention seeing solar flares. While scientists haven’t recorded any flares during this eclipse, what we witnessed were actually solar prominences – massive, long-lasting structures on the sun’s surface. The largest one in our photos is a staggering 3.5-4 times the diameter of Earth!

The sudden drop in temperature and the eerie darkness during totality were truly striking. We had planned to observe the cows’ reactions, but once it hit, we were too busy being awestruck! It was an experience filled with pure wonder and excitement.

Sharing this experience isn’t just about how amazing it was, but also about encouraging you to chase your own astronomical adventure. While total eclipses are rare in North America, they occur more frequently elsewhere. Check out this website to explore the next 15 total solar eclipses. If you ever get the chance to witness totality, don’t hesitate! It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Happy stargazing!

You can meet passionate teachers like Mr. Chris at our upcoming Open Houses and admissions events – learn more. He is also hosting a Nature & the City summer program at BASIS Independent Manhattan Lower School – view details and register here.