On April 8, 2024, many residents of North America witnessed a total solar eclipse. Some traveled to better spots around the country for viewing, but for those who stayed in our area, we had a pretty good view too. With the benefit of co-workers who planned ahead and had their eclipse glasses in hand, I was able to appreciate the natural spectacle from the Clinton Township parking lot.
Soon after, a friend shared a link to a solar eclipse glasses collection program that would clean and sanitize the glasses, then ship them off to South America so that students in the South of that continent would have the opportunity to witness a Ring of Fire eclipse that will occur this October.
Rather than simply tossing them away or hanging on to them for roughly the next forty-years when the next eclipse happens in our country, donating them, I thought, would be a great way to connect with young people around the globe and help them develop a first view, and make the science of astronomy a little more real and fulfilling. So we sent out a press release announcing that the Clinton Township Treasurer’s office would serve as a collection site. I was also pleased when newspapers picked up the story and when Clinton Township residents stepped up. It was amazing to see that people came by our counter just to drop off their eclipse glasses, and then thanked my staff for doing this!
Last week we mailed 1,304 pairs of Solar Eclipse Glasses to the Physics Dept at Albion College, who will send them toAstronomers Without Borders. In addition to residents, members of the Clinton Township Senior Adult Life Center and Fraser Schools chipped in to make this drive successful.
It is a pleasant thought to think back about the excitement over the North American Eclipse last April. We never know how simple and small gestures of friendship and educational opportunity and connectedness can create a positive impact on others. It’s great to see that excitement carry-over to students on a distant continent. So big shout out to everyone who donated to support this program!
Note: No tax dollars were spent, and I personally covered the cost of shipping.