The scientists and science teachers in Georgia are preparing for a complete solar eclipse on August 21st, what the scientists and teachers see as the educational opportunity of a lifetime.
University of Georgia professors Julie Luft and also atmospheric sciences professor John Knox have already launched an effort to provide special dark glasses to every single student in the Clarke County School District on the day of eclipse, reported by the Athens Banner-Herald. More glasses would be given to the students in some surrounding counties.
It is expected to cost about $6,000 for 17,000 pairs of the special glasses to view the eclipse without causing any eye damage, said Luft, professor in the UGA College of Education's science and math education department.
Astronomers calculate the eclipse will begin in the northeast Georgia around 1 p.m. and conclude at around 4 p.m. as the moon passes between the Earth and sun.
The zone of total solar eclipse will be just a few miles away from Athens to the north, around Toccoa.
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But it will be just as spectacular in the immediate Athens area as the sky darkens, the wind dies down and birds, fooled by the gathering darkness, settle down for what they believe is the arrival of nightfall, the Banner-Herald reported.
In the area of Athens, during the complete solar eclipse only a thin sliver of sun will peer out from behind the moon, said Knox, a professor in the UGA's Atmospheric Sciences Program, and a member of the Clarke County Board of Education.
Even in Valdosta, 90 percent of the sun will be blocked out during the eclipse, said the science evangelist Maurice Snook, who has launched his own campaign to educate the public about the upcoming eclipse.
Snook, is locally famous for his science shows in the area schools, has scheduled a series of talks at the libraries and other venues, including the Oconee County Library on 10th April, the Nicholson Library on 25th April and the Athens-Clarke County Library on 17th May. He will also have a display at the Winterville Marigold Festival 20th May.
Eclipse glasses are already for sale at the nature center. The UGA scientists have approached UGA Athletic Association about the possibility of opening up Sanford Stadium and its giant video screen on the day of eclipse.
Mrudula Duddempudi.
