AUSTIN, Texas — It is an event not only spectacular but also one of scientific significance: a total solar eclipse that will darken the skies and make the sky look as if it is going into twilight.
To pique students' curiosity, volunteers like Christopher Bernhardt with the NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassador Program are expanding their love of science and astronomy through communities across the country, including Bertha Sadler Means Young Women's Leadership Academy in East Austin.
"We really hope it inspires these young leaders and you know, we certainly will encourage more women to pursue STEM and science," Bernhardt said.
Students got to participate in hands-on activities that involved understanding the physics of where the moon goes in front of the sun, creating solar viewers by punching holes in index cards, trying on solar eclipse glasses that have a special filter yo keep out the sun's rays and viewing the sun through a telescope.
"If it's clear weather, we're hoping and praying, they'll see little half moons in the shape of their name or hearts or whatever. I saw some really fun designs," Bernhardt said. "We're really trying to hopefully emphasize that wow effect of science and space and just this creative universe."
Seventh grader Luciana Hopkins is wowed herself by this eclipse education which deviates from her normal class routine.
"I was excited because, well, we usually have quizzes on Friday," Hopkins said. "Very lucky that like in our generation, we're able to see it because, like, a lot of people don't get to see one in their lifetime."
Bernhardt hopes that students use this timing to their advantage by igniting a spark of inspiration, so they can solve and discover the next mysteries to come.
"This is going to be the generation that's going to the moon, maybe even the generation that goes to Mars," Bernhardt said.