Eclipse provides memorable learning opportunity for Knoxville students on WATE
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A partial eclipse was visible in Knoxville with about 90% of the sun being covered at its peak. While clouds may have reduced visibility, students at the Episcopal School of Knoxville got to experience their first eclipse and learn why this happens.
“As soon as we got here today there was a lot of excitement. From the moment they came in the door, it was like some of them were shot out of a cannon,” said second grade teacher Suzi Fairclough. “So they’re just very excited to get outside and see this happen.”
ESK students were filled with excitement in the lead-up to the big moment.
“A lot of the schools around us actually had half days or were not in school and they were actually really excited to be here today and get to partake and all the activities and popsicles, said science teacher Cayla Lockheart. “So it’s just a good day to be with everybody and the ESK community does that stuff really well.”
In anticipation of the eclipse, students learned all about solar and lunar eclipses and why they happen.
“We can see it because the sun’s atmosphere is so much lighter than the actual sun itself,” said Lockheart. “But then when the moon passes by and we get that eclipse it highlights the corona and so it’s just this amazing halo effect that it’s just breathtakingly beautiful.”
By 3:00 they met their parents at the lawn to view the event at its peak, but some students were underwhelmed
“It’s a little overhyped. There are a lot of people here and not much to see,” said one fifth grade student at ESK.
Others were in awe. For one parent, this was also their first eclipse that they got to witness alongside their son.
“When you have a chance to go see it, go see it,” said Joseph Beol. “I didn’t have time to go take a drive out to Arkansas or anything to be in the direct path, but this is still nice.”
This is the last eclipse visible in America for the next 20 years, according to NASA. The next one will occur in 2044.