SPARKILL, N.Y., April 9, 2024 – Yesterday’s solar eclipse was not just a spectacle in the sky but a dynamic classroom for St. Thomas Aquinas College’s students. Forty astronomy enthusiasts from the College, under the guidance of Dr. Heather Rave and Dr. Meghan De Witt from the School of STEM, participated in a direct observation of this celestial phenomenon in Tupper Lake, NY. The event was part of the Astronomy 300 course, “When the World Stands Still, the Science of a Solar Eclipse,” emphasizing the College’s dedication to immersive learning.
The solar eclipse offered a precious pause from the everyday hustle, inviting students to contemplate and interact with the stellar event actively. “The eclipse is a phenomenal teaching moment,” stated President Ken Daly. “Our students are gaining insights not just about celestial movements but about their place in the universe. We are proud to offer such formative experiences, which will be further supported by our forthcoming SKAE Astronomy Center.”
The College’s investment in real-world education was mirrored on campus as hundreds of students convened at the Romano Center for a Watch Party, where they witnessed the eclipse with appropriate safety measures. Moreover, the College has planned an Earth Day celebration for the campus community on April 20.
The excitement for astronomy will continue with the much-anticipated opening of the SKAE Astronomy Center in the Fall of 2024. Equipped with a top-tier Telescope Observatory and specialized classrooms, the Center is poised to become a beacon of astronomical study and public engagement. It aims to ignite passion for the cosmos with initiatives like undergraduate research projects, Astronomy Clubs, and “Stargazing with Stars” events, welcoming alumni and neighbors to gaze upward together.
For future Spartans and those interested in the unfolding universe of opportunities at St. Thomas Aquinas College, the SKAE Astronomy Center represents a new horizon in educational excellence. Information about the College and the upcoming Center can be found at stac.edu/skae.