Written by Randi Tubbs // Photo by Briley Kemper
Searcy experienced totality during the solar eclipse from 1:52 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. Monday, April 8. Harding, however, began celebrating the historical moment days before. Friday, April 5, NASA Day was held in the American Heritage Conference Center, educating nearly 1,500 elementary and middle school students about space research and the upcoming solar eclipse.
Professor and Chair of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Departments Cindy White was the head coordinator and organizer for the campus events centered around the solar eclipse April 5-9. She started planning a year in advance after obtaining a grant from NASA, holding meetings with departments across campus and with student ambassadors. Students applied and were chosen as solar eclipse ambassadors by NASA to educate about the solar eclipse.
“Planning any event is difficult, but two big events very close together is challenging,” University Marketing and Communications Director Cherisse Gregory said. “[White] created a team and delegated duties to make everything a great success.”
Gregory was involved with UCM in designing graphics for the shirts available in the bookstore and the photo backdrop that was available on the day of the solar eclipse. UCM was also responsible for sending out press releases for the ASI speaker and the concert and worked with local media.
Students enjoyed canceled classes from noon to 3 p.m. the day of the eclipse. Former NASA chaplain Mike O’Neal spoke in chapel and presented a guest lecture at 3:30 p.m. in the Anthony Wright Administration Auditorium.
A “Cosmic Cookout” was held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bison Park, sponsored by the University in partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, Campus Life and the Centennial Committee. A multitude of activities and entertainment was offered, some including a NASA-themed bounce house and an inflatable planetarium along with cosmic-themed snacks and merchandise. Four information stations were dispersed throughout the park and First Security Stadium distributing eclipse glasses. Students were able to use their meal plan at the cookout, and three food trucks were also available. Belles & Beaux performed during the cookout from noon to 1 p.m.
First Security Stadium opened at 12:30 p.m. as the viewing site for the solar eclipse. A presentation was held in the stadium along with the NASA live feed of the sun. During the moments of totality, a sound embargo was in place. This moment of silence was to experience the moment fully, while potentially hearing wildlife, such as songbirds and insects.
“Things get weird in a total solar eclipse,” assistant professor of engineering and physics Will Waldron said. “No matter who you are, experiencing dusk at midday is a strange sight to behold. There appears a sunset on all horizons. The temperature drops slightly. The trees display ‘shadow bands.’ We can see the corona of the sun with the naked eye.”
Waldron had experienced a total solar eclipse before and said he hoped everyone who was able to experience the April 8 solar eclipse appreciated it fully.
“This is not a common thing,” Waldron said. “I have told many people it is worth their time to see this event. I would be grieved if Harding or anyone else attempted to keep that from people. Therefore inversely, I am pleased that Harding is doing what it can to give people the opportunity to experience this.”
After the total solar eclipse concluded, “Silas and Celcius” took place from 2 to 3 p.m., where local musician Silas Carpenter performed while Campus Life gave away the new celestial line of Celcius energy drinks.
That evening, ASI Speaker Jerry Linenger gave a lecture at 7:30 p.m. in the Benson Auditorium. Linenger served as an astronaut for 10 days on the Spatial Discovery during the Space Shuttle Program and spent five months on their National Space Station.
The next day the Harding Grand Chorus performed “Music of the Spheres” featuring the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. in the Benson to conclude campus events related to the solar eclipse.
Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Heather Kemper was also heavily involved in the event planning process.
“It has definitely been a campus-wide effort,” Kemper said. “We hope it’ll be a really special day for our students, alumni and guests that visit campus.”
