Total Solar Eclipse at Taylor

What if I didn’t register my 6-12th grade students?

The deadline for registration of school students is/was April 2nd. If it’s after April 2nd, we still invite you to come, but we ask that you register as a “Family or Friend” and plan accordingly.

When should I arrive?

Traditional schools should plan on arriving between 11:00 and 11:30 the morning of the Eclipse. You will need time to park, eat, and get checked in.

Where do we enter campus and park?

Parking for traditional schools will be around Vayhinger Circle. The circle will be one way (clockwise) so entry will only be at the northeast corner of campus. (Please refer to this map for more information.)

Please drive around Vayhinger Circle until you reach the parking team. (They will be wearing purple eclipse shirts!) All parking will be on the inside of the circle with the right side of your vehicle against the curb.

Please also note that Upland’s Main Street is scheduled for closure starting on April 1st, so you will likely have to use 8th street to access campus if coming from the north.

When I get there, where should I go?

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted at your bus by our TU student ambassadors. They will direct you to the main lobby of the Euler Science Center. (Please refer to this map for more information.)

Where do we eat lunch?

If the weather is nice, we invite you to eat lunch in the grass near your vehicle. If the weather isn’t as nice, we recommend eating inside your vehicle. Either way, please care for our campus and make sure to clean up after your group.

When and where will I get my glasses?

Glasses will be provided to the chaperones upon arrival and check in. Please be careful to protect your solar eclipse glasses to prevent damaging them. (Glasses with damaged lenses should NEVER be used to view the sun.)

What will Taylor provide?

Solar viewing glasses: ISO certified glasses

Solar viewer: Students will make a pinhole camera box that can be used to project an image of the eclipsing sun

A perforated object: Students will make an object with many holes in it that you can use to cast shadows. Normally an object like this will project small dots where the light from the sun passes through and hits the ground but during the eclipse the dots will be the crescent shape of the sun. It looks really cool!

A right-angle shadow projector: Take a piece of paper or cardstock and cut it to look like a Y, where the two branches of the Y are at 90 degrees to one another. It will help you see the strange way shadows are cast by the eclipsing sun.

What should I bring?

A white background: Bring a white sheet of paper, posterboard, bedsheet or something to project shadows onto. This will be very helpful to see projections of the sun clearly and to see things like Shadow Bands. (Bigger sheets will make seeing shadow bands easier.)

Bright colored clothing: As the eclipse approaches, you’ll notice that the colors start to look muted and dull!

Camera equipment: If you are a photographer and would like to take pictures, we recommend you purchase a solar filter for your camera. This filter is different from your solar glasses. We’ve purchased our filters from Rainbow Symphony but other sources are also available. Wherever you purchase from, make sure they are a reputable source.

What time does the event end?

The day will culminate with totality which starts at 3:08 pm and lasts for 3 minutes. The program officially ends at 3:15pm that day. Many visitors will start to leave immediately after that. However, it is important to remember that MANY people will try to leave at that time and the roads may be quite crowded. We anticipate most people will leave by 4:00pm.

What if I didn’t register my 6-12th grade students?

The deadline for registration of homeschool students is/was April 2nd. If it’s after April 2nd, we still invite you to come, but we ask that you register as a “Family or Friend” and plan accordingly. Sorry!

When should I show up?

Homeschools should plan on arriving between 11:00 and 11:30 the morning of the Eclipse. You will need time to park, eat, and get checked in.

Where do we park?

Parking for Homeschools will be in Odle Lot (Unless you’ve coordinated with our team). Please use the west entrance on 8th Street to access the lot. Vayhinger Circle will be one way (clockwise) and will likely be crowded that day, so please don’t use other campus entrances. (Please refer to this map for more information.)

Please also note that Upland’s main street is scheduled for closure starting on April 1st, so you will likely have to use 8th street to access campus if coming from the north.

When I get there, where should I go?

When you arrive, please proceed to the north end of the Boren Student Center lobby for check in. (Please refer to this map for more information.)

Where do we eat lunch?

If the weather is nice, we invite you to eat lunch in the grass near your vehicle. If the weather isn’t as nice, we recommend eating inside your vehicle. Either way, please care for our campus and make sure to clean up after your group.

There will be food trucks available near the Boren Center as well as the campus food services in Boren. HOWEVER, please note that lines may be very long, and you don’t want to be late for the program!

When and where will I get my glasses?

Glasses will be provided to parents/chaperones upon arrival and check in. Please be careful to protect your solar eclipse glasses to prevent damaging them. (Glasses with damaged lenses should NEVER be used to view the sun.)

What’s all this about safety?

Viewing a Total Solar Eclipse is an incredible experience but it must be done safely. During the hour leading up to Totality and the hour after Totality, solar eclipse glasses must be used to view the sun. The potential danger arises when people look at the sun without glasses. This can cause burns to the retina that take months to heal (if ever). So please, when the sun is visible, please always wear your solar eclipse glasses.

Even when you are wearing solar eclipse glasses you should never look through an unprotected optical device (Telescopes, Binoculars, Cameras, etc.) because the magnified light still cause eye damage.

All that being said, during Totality, when the sun is completely covered by the moon, it is safe to remove your glasses and look directly at the moon. (You know it is safe when you can no longer see the sun at all through your solar eclipse glasses.) When you remove your glasses you will see the moon surrounded by the sun’s corona (the hot gasses shooting away from the surface of the sun).

If you have small children it is very important that you carefully manage their eye protection and prevent them from removing their glasses and looking at the sun during the eclipse.

What will Taylor provide?

Solar viewing glasses: ISO certified glasses

Solar viewer: Students will make a pinhole camera box that can be used to project an image of the eclipsing sun

A perforated object: Students will make an object with many holes in it that you can use to cast shadows. Normally an object like this will project small dots where the light from the sun passes through and hits the ground but during the eclipse the dots will be the crescent shape of the sun. It looks really cool!

A right-angle shadow projector: Take a piece of paper or cardstock and cut it to look like a Y, where the two branches of the Y are at 90 degrees to one another. It will help you see the strange way shadows are cast by the eclipsing sun.

What should I bring?

A white background: Bring a white sheet of paper, posterboard, bedsheet or something to project shadows onto. This will be very helpful to see projections of the sun clearly and to see things like Shadow Bands. (Bigger sheets will make seeing shadow bands easier.)

Bright colored clothing: As the eclipse approaches, you’ll notice that the colors start to look muted and dull!

Camera equipment: If you are a photographer and would like to take pictures, we recommend you purchase a solar filter for your camera. This filter is different from your solar glasses. We’ve purchased our filters from Rainbow Symphony but other sources are also available. Wherever you purchase from, make sure they are a reputable source.

What time does the event end?

The day will culminate with totality which starts at 3:08 pm and lasts for 3 minutes. The program officially ends at 3:15pm that day. Many visitors will start to leave immediately after that. However, it is important to remember that MANY people will try to leave at that time and the roads may be quite crowded. We anticipate most people will leave by 4:00pm.

Do I need to Register?

No, we’ve planned on everyone on campus being a part of the day.

Does my family need to Register?

Yes, if you have family and friends coming to campus, please have them register. For more information, refer to the FAQ for Taylor Family and Friends.

When should I show up?

Please see the schedule for the things happening that day. You may participate as you have time and interest.

When and where will I get my glasses?

There will be a desk for distributing glasses at the north end of the Boren Center lobby open from 9:30am to 2:00pm on the day of the Eclipse. An additional desk will be open after chapel.

Please be careful to protect your solar eclipse glasses to prevent damaging them. (Glasses with damaged lenses should NEVER be used to view the sun.)

What’s all this about Safety?

Viewing a Total Solar Eclipse is an incredible experience but it must be done safely. During the hour leading up to Totality and the hour after Totality, solar eclipse glasses must be used to view the sun. The potential danger arises when people look at the sun without glasses. This can cause burns to the retina that take months to heal (if ever). So please, when the sun is visible, please always wear your solar eclipse glasses.

Even when you are wearing solar eclipse glasses you should never look through an unprotected optical device (Telescopes, Binoculars, Cameras, etc.) because the magnified light still cause eye damage.

All that being said, during Totality, when the sun is completely covered by the moon, it is safe to remove your glasses and look directly at the moon. (You know it is safe when you can no longer see the sun at all through your solar eclipse glasses.) When you remove your glasses you will see the moon surrounded by the sun’s corona (the hot gasses shooting away from the surface of the sun).

If you have small children it is very important that you carefully manage their eye protection and prevent them from removing their glasses and looking at the sun during the eclipse.

What will Taylor provide?

Solar viewing glasses: ISO certified glasses

What should I bring?

A perforated object: Make an object (or bring something like a colander) with many holes in it that you can use to cast shadows. Normally an object like this will project small dots where the light from the sun passes through and hits the ground but during the eclipse the dots will be the crescent shape of the sun. It looks really cool!

A right-angle shadow projector: Take a piece of paper or cardstock and cut it to look like a Y, where the two branches of the Y are at 90 degrees to one another. It will help you see the strange way shadows are cast by the eclipsing sun.

A white background: Bring a white sheet of paper, posterboard, bedsheet or something to project shadows onto. This will be very helpful to see projections of the sun clearly and to see things like Shadow Bands. (Bigger sheets will make seeing shadow bands easier.)

Bright colored clothing: As the eclipse approaches, you’ll notice that the colors start to look muted and dull!

Camera equipment: If you are a photographer and would like to take pictures, we recommend you purchase a solar filter for your camera. This filter is different from your solar glasses. We’ve purchased our filters from Rainbow Symphony but other sources are also available. Wherever you purchase from, make sure they are a reputable source.

Will my classes be cancelled?

That depends.

From 12 noon to 2:30 visitors will be in Euler and Reade. If you normally have a class in one of those buildings during that time your class will either be offered in an alternative format or cancelled (talk to your professor).

During the period between 2:30 and 3:15 we would like everyone to be able to view the eclipse. If you normally have class during that time (regardless of the location) you will be able to watch the eclipse. It is up to your professor if you will watch as a class or simply be released from class.

What time does the event end?

The day will culminate with totality which starts at 3:08 pm and lasts for 3 minutes. The program officially ends at 3:15pm that day.

Do I need to Register?

Yes. If you are planning on visiting campus for the eclipse you will need to register.

When I register, will I get updates?

No, we will not email updates. Please check this website for updates and the latest information.

When should I show up?

Please see the schedule for the things happening that day. You may participate as you have time and interest. Make sure you leave time to park and get checked in.

Where do we park?

Parking for family and friends will be in Odle Lot. Please use the west entrance to campus to access the lot. Vayhinger circle will be one way (Clockwise) and will likely be crowded that day, so please don’t use other campus entrances. (Please refer to this map for more information.)

Please also keep in mind that when our parking lots are full, you will need to park along the local roads and walk to campus.

Finally, please note that Upland’s main street is scheduled for closure starting on April 1st, so you will likely have to use 8th street to access campus if coming from the north.

When I get there, where should I go?

When you arrive please proceed the check in desk at the north end of the Boren Center lobby. The desk will be open from 9:30am to 2:00pm on the day of the Eclipse.

Will there be food available?

There will be food trucks available near the Boren center as well as the campus food services in Boren.

When and where will I get my glasses?

Glasses will be provided upon check in. Please be careful to protect your solar eclipse glasses to prevent damaging them. (Glasses with damaged lenses should NEVER be used to view the sun.)

Is there anything planned for children under 6th grade?

An open play area will be available for children under 6th grade. In the event of good weather, it will be outdoors. In the event of rain or cold weather the play area will be in the KSAC Fieldhouse. In either case there will be balls to play with.

What will be happening?

Special Chapel

Lecture: What to Expect from the Eclipse

Lecture: The Data-Driven Story of a Great Commission

Balloon Teams: Taylor will have quite a few balloon teams doing research launches that day. Visitors can talk with teams and learn about the science and engineering being performed. Several balloon launches will happen in the hour leading up to the eclipse.

Telescope Viewing: Telescopes will be available to look at the sun. In some cases these images will be streamed, in others visitors can look through the scope.

Eclipse Viewing!

What’s all this about Safety?

Viewing a Total Solar Eclipse is an incredible experience but it must be done safely. During the hour leading up to Totality and the hour after Totality, solar eclipse glasses must be used to view the sun. The potential danger arises when people look at the sun without glasses. This can cause burns to the retina that take months to heal (if ever). So please, when the sun is visible, please always wear your solar eclipse glasses.

Even when you are wearing solar eclipse glasses you should never look through an unprotected optical device (Telescopes, Binoculars, Cameras, etc.) because the magnified light still cause eye damage.

All that being said, during Totality, when the sun is completely covered by the moon, it is safe to remove your glasses and look directly at the moon. (You know it is safe when you can no longer see the sun at all through your solar eclipse glasses.) When you remove your glasses you will see the moon surrounded by the sun’s corona (the hot gasses shooting away from the surface of the sun).

If you have small children it is very important that you carefully manage their eye protection and prevent them from removing their glasses and looking at the sun during the eclipse.

What will Taylor provide?

Solar viewing glasses: ISO certified glasses

What should I bring?

A perforated object: Make an object (or bring something like a colander) with many holes in it that you can use to cast shadows. Normally an object like this will project small dots where the light from the sun passes through and hits the ground but during the eclipse the dots will be the crescent shape of the sun. It looks really cool!

A right-angle shadow projector: Take a piece of paper or cardstock and cut it to look like a Y, where the two branches of the Y are at 90 degrees to one another. It will help you see the strange way shadows are cast by the eclipsing sun.

A white background: Bring a white sheet of paper, posterboard, bedsheet or something to project shadows onto. This will be very helpful to see projections of the sun clearly and to see things like Shadow Bands. (Bigger sheets will make seeing shadow bands easier.)

Bright colored clothing: As the eclipse approaches, you’ll notice that the colors start to look muted and dull!

Camera equipment: If you are a photographer and would like to take pictures, we recommend you purchase a solar filter for your camera. This filter is different from your solar glasses. We’ve purchased our filters from Rainbow Symphony but other sources are also available. Wherever you purchase from, make sure they are a reputable source.

What time does the event end?

The day will culminate with totality which starts at 3:08 pm and lasts for 3 minutes. The program officially ends at 3:15pm that day. Many visitors will start to leave immediately after that. However, it is important to remember that MANY people will try to leave at that time and the roads may be quite crowded. We anticipate most people will leave by 4:00pm.

The Total Solar Eclipse is an incredible opportunity but you have to be careful to protect your eyes and the eyes of those you love, especially children. Please watch our safety video above. To best enjoy the eclipse while protecting your eyes, please follow the guidelines below.

The total eclipse is broken into three basic parts:

1. Before Totality
   • During this time the disk of the sun is visible.
   • DO NOT look at the sun without eye protection.
   • DO NOT look through telescopes, cameras, binoculars or other devices at the sun. (Even when you have safety glasses on)
   • DO use ISO-certified safety glasses to look at the sun.
2. During Totality
   • During the 3 minutes of totality the disk of the sun is completely blocked by the moon. (You will not see anything through your eclipse glasses.)
   • It is safe to look at the corona (halo) of the sun without safety glasses during this time.
   • It is safe to take photos of the corona at this time.
3. After Totality
   • During this time the disk of the sun is visible.
   • DO NOT look at the sun without eye protection.
   • DO NOT look through telescopes, cameras, binoculars or other devices at the sun. (Even when you have safety glasses on)
   • DO use ISO certified safety glasses to look at the sun.

For additional safety information visit Safety (nasa.gov). Damage to the eyes from looking at the sun is called Solar Retinopathy. For information on Solar Retinopathy’s symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment visit Solar Retinopathy: Symptoms, Causes & Recovery (clevelandclinic.org).