On the first day of fall semester, Aug. 21, students, faculty and a large portion of the country gathered to watch The Great American Solar Eclipse.
The eclipse was the first total eclipse that spanned from coast to coast in the United States in 99 years, according to phys.org.
In celebration, Southern Adventist University, headed by the physics department, engaged people across the country in viewing the phenomenon.
On campus, 2,500 eclipse glasses were distributed to students and employees of the University. Pairs were also sent to Adventist academies and schools that were near the path of totality.
“Viewing the eclipse was an absolutely incredible experience,” said Abby King, sophomore marketing major. “I didn’t understand why everyone was so excited until I stood outside as the sky darkened as the moon crossed in front of the sun. It was beautiful and breathtaking.”
The physics and alumni departments sponsored coach buses to transport around 300 students and staff to Athens, Tennessee, which experienced a total eclipse as opposed to Southern’s campus, which was located within around a 99 percent coverage. Students who participated in the trip were charged $5 to ride the buses.
“It started out being a field trip for earth science and astronomy students and then we said ‘you know, this is kind of a big deal’ so then it kind of grew,” Hanson said.
Despite concerns about the potential traffic, Hanson said that students who were on the trip were able to return to the school within two hours of the totality in Athens.
Although the students on campus did not get to see full totality, the experience was still awe inspiring for many.
“Even though I didn't get to see a total eclipse from here on campus, “ said Elaina Holway, sophomore religion major, “what I did see was truly amazing. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of God.”
Hanson said that in addition to aiding people to see the eclipse, the school also worked to provide awareness.
The Marketing and University Relations department at Southern released an eclipse app which was downloaded over 1000 time from the Apple App Store, most of which was done the day of the eclipse.
The app allowed users, including 77 nationwide viewing parties, to record data about the eclipse, including time of totality and when the moon first began to obscure the sun. It also provided general information and maps about the eclipse’s path.
Overall, Hanson said that the eclipse brought many together to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event.
“It was cool,” Hanson said. “Everybody was just amazed.”