***This article was written by Chase Palm, a participant in The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
The internet is abuzz with excitement for the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, and Kewanee residents will have an exciting opportunity to view it thanks to the Kewanee School District.
Though fascinating, a solar eclipse can also pose risks. Because directly looking at the sun can cause a condition known as eclipse blindness, science enthusiasts must wear eclipse goggles to stay safe. Thanks to Irving Principal Dr. Tamara Brown’s efforts, Kewanee students will receive their very own goggles for the special day.
Brown worked to become an Eclipse Ambassador through NASA to raise awareness for the upcoming phenomenon. The ambassador’s job is to promote the science and safety of this historical event.
According to the Astronomical Society of the Pacific’s website, ambassador volunteers have reached over 90,000 people in 47 states.
Brown said that the application took about 15 to 20 minutes to complete, a small price to pay for the avid astronomy fan.
“I applied because I am a stargazer, am interested in topics about space, and wanted to share my enthusiasm with the community and more directly, Irving School students,” Brown said.
Brown then had to go through around 10 hours of video training to learn about the eclipse and what to expect during the event.
Brown said that both Kewanee and Wethersfield school districts will be providing students with educational programming and eclipse viewing goggles so students can safely watch science happen right before their very (protected) eyes.
Brown also said that the Kewanee Public Library will be giving out eclipse goggles while supplies last.
“Viewing the eclipse can be a once in a lifetime experience. The hope is, like many communities, Kewanee can participate in celebrating this event,” the Irving principal said.
