The eclipse and Sanford Stadium as a classroom

Earlier this week, the UGA community had an opportunity to view the eclipse from a perspective that will go down in the history books. More than 20,000 students, faculty, staff and community members showed up to Sanford Stadium to witness the eclipse, alongside the helpful educational guidance of event organizers from our very own department of geography and atmospheric sciences program. While Athens was not in the path of totality, the event served as a once in a lifetime opportunity for all that were there. Normally the memories associated with times in Sanford Stadium revolve around great football plays and the momentous occasion of commencement, but witnessing the awe-inspiring phenomenon alongside the rest of the UGA community on Tuesday will surely be one for the books. Anticipation for the peak of the event coincided with eclipse-related trivia and music. At the peak of the event, when the moon covered 99.1. percent of the sun, you'd have thought that UGA had just scored a winning touchdown as the stadium erupted into cheers.

As a double dawg at the University of Georgia, and a science communicator for Franklin College, the event is certainly one that I will remember for a lifetime. Here at Franklin College, many of our faculty and staff members enjoyed the opportunity to view the event together. We are all thankful to be part of a community that works together to create unique educational opportunities each and every day. Tuesday's eclipse event was no different, but we would be remiss not to thank the department of geography faculty members for all of their hard work, alongside other event coordinators. Congratulations on putting together an educational event that will be remembered for years to come. 

Want to relive the experience? Check out this UGA video that highlights the experience of Tuesday's event at the stadium. Enjoy! 

-Written and reported by Jessica Luton, a PR specialist with the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.