Burwell Students View Wondrous Solar Eclipse
September 08, 2017
On August 21, 2017, millions of people across the United States watched in amazement as nature's most wondrous spectacle, a total eclipse of the sun, took place. The moon completely blocked the sun, day became a deep twilight, and the sun's corona shimmered in the darkened sky. Nebraska had 468 miles of eclipse viewing, the longest of any other states. The eclipse started at 11:33 a.m. and was completed by 2:33 p.m. in Burwell. Totality reached 99.7%.
Burwell students, K-12, were given the opportunity to view the marvelous event. High school students were released to the football field at 11:30 a.m. followed by junior high and then elementary students. Students lined up at the concession stand to pick up a sack lunch and a grilled hot dog. They were able to join their friends and teachers in witnessing the eclipse. The school provided the glasses needed to safely view the moon crossing over the sun.
At its peak, the moon covered the sun to create the same darkness dusk brings. Some of the street lights came on, the wind died down, and a quiet calm filled the air. As students gazed in amazement as the moon covered the sun, a distant planet was also noticed. Viewers were grateful for the change in temperature as well. The solar eclipse experience at Burwell Public Schools was something students and staff will remember forever.
