On April 8, 2024, for just a couple of minutes, America witnessed the world go dark. The sky went black, and the world took on an otherworldly appearance as the moon aligned with the sun. This total solar eclipse took place in the afternoon, right before school ended for Wheaton Warrenville South students.

Across America, a couple hundred million people were able to witness at least parts of the eclipse, with many traveling to be in the path of totality. In Illinois, the total eclipse began at 1:59, and ended at 2:03, leaving viewers with little time to appreciate the phenomenon.Closer to home, a couple of lucky science classes at WWS were allowed to go outside to watch the eclipse, wearing special eclipse glasses to cover their eyes. Most students were stuck inside in order to protect their eyes, but they were able to see the effects through the windows.

“This was an amazing experience, and a whole lot better than an average day sitting in class, ” reflects Vincent Santos, a student with an eighth period science class. Overall, whether people spent the eclipse inside or outside, April 8, 2024 will always be in people’s memories for the excitement surrounding the day. Local communities in the path of totality received visitors from all over the country. We all came together for this monumental moment.

The next total solar eclipse in America isn’t until August 23, 2044, giving you plenty of time to prepare for the next time the world goes dark.