Despite heavy cloud and very real prospect of not seeing the eclipse, students were taken out of their normal lessons and gathered together to experience the eclipse. There was a palpable excitement as students from years 7-13 discussed what the eclipse was and why it was happening and what we would expect to see.

Alas due to the heavy cloud, our experience was limited to a general darkness and a distinct drop in temperature. Students were then able to return to the classrooms and see footage of the eclipse in other parts of the country.

Overheard- a student ‘This was great wonder where I’ll be for the next eclipse. I will never forget this coming out of the classroom to see this one’

Mrs Ul-Haq

 

 

 

So what if it was cloudy?

http://www.solareclipse2015.org.uk/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s disk

Solar prominences can be seen along the limb (in red) as well as extensive coronal filaments.

Geometry of a total solar eclipse (not to scale)

A total Solar eclipse can only occur when the Earth, Moon and Sun are in the right alignment. This does not happen very often which explains why total solar eclipses are so rare.