Total Solar Eclipse Sparks Excitement in Burlington

Our hometown of Burlington, Vermont is situated directly on the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse, and Champlain College is ready to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with our community!

As Vermont expects to welcome more than 225,000 people into the state for the special occurrence, Champlain students, staff, and faculty will be gathering on Aiken Quad to celebrate the milestone together. The last time Vermont saw a total solar eclipse was in 1932, and Burlington won’t see another until 2106.

Join the party!

The Champlain community is known for coming together and supporting one another, so it only makes sense we’ll be putting on a big show to experience this unique event. The Office of Sustainability, Office of Student Engagement, Student Health Center, Champlain Library, and Champlain Maker Program are collaborating to bring the fun to Aiken Quad and the third floor of the Champlain Library from 12:00-5:00 PM. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided!

Activities will include sidewalk chalk drawing, a pop-up Swap Shop and space-themed screen printing, cyanotyping, and lawn games. Wondering what cyanotpying is? It’s a economical photography technique that doesn’t even involve a camera! You’ll lay an object on paper coated with an iron salt solution and then expose it to UV light. Once you wash it with water, it’ll create beautiful white and blue images. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone!

Please note: This event is open to students and employees only. All campus buildings are key card access only until Tuesday, April 9 at 7 AM. If you are a prospective student or family looking to tour campus while you are visiting the area, we still have tours available Tuesday and beyond! Explore tour info at champlain.edu/visit. See you soon!

Timeline of Events

The City of Burlington is closing many of the roads surrounding campus on Monday, so plan ahead!

There are many different stages of the eclipse. Here’s what you need to know:

• 2:14 PM the eclipse begins
  • 3:26–3:29 PM total eclipse
  • 4:37 PM the eclipse ends

Stay Safe Out There, Beavers

We’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight the safety tips to keep in mind when experiencing a total solar eclipse!

Thanks to our Student Health Center team for keeping our collective eye and sun safety in mind:

• To see the eclipse, use a solar filter, which can either be “eclipse glasses” or a handheld solar viewer.
• Cover your eyes with a solar filter BEFORE looking at the sun.
  • Use your solar filter on top of eyeglasses.
  • Sunglasses are NOT a replacement for a solar filter.
  • Do NOT look through a smartphone, camera, binoculars, or telescope.
• Remove your solar filter AFTER looking away from the sun.
• Inspect your solar filter.
  • Use Champlain-provided eclipse glasses, or confirm that your solar filter meets safety standards.
  • Do NOT use your solar filter if you see scratches or damage.
• Protect your skin and drink water.
• • • Don’t forget sunscreen! We will have some by Aiken Lawn.

Chauncey’s ready for the total solar eclipse! Are you? Original beaver design by Becca Boucher ’20, with additional solar-themed elements by Caroline Selby ’25, both Graphic Design & Visual Communication majors.

Total Solar Eclipse: Look At That View!

Totality is the brief phase when it is safe to look directly at the eclipse! This occurs when the moon entirely blocks the sun. The phase will last about two minutes, from around 3:26–3:29 PM. Once the sun begins to reappear, be sure to use your solar filter again.

For more information, visit the American Astronomical Society website.

Stay safe, have fun, and we’ll see you out on Aiken Lawn!