Going Solar: Southern New England Prepares for Its First Solar Eclipse in Nearly Seven Years

In Southern New England, Monday marks a momentous occasion as the region prepares for its first solar eclipse in nearly seven years. Little Compton, Rhode Island is one of the many locations eagerly anticipating this rare astronomical event.

At Wilbur & McMahon School in Little Compton, students from kindergarten to eighth grade are being given special glasses to safely view the eclipse from the field next to the school. With the eclipse expected to reach about 90% totality in the region, students are excited to witness this rare astronomical event. After school lets out at around 3 p.m., some students and their families will stay on school grounds to watch the eclipse together.

Teachers at Wilbur & McMahon School are enthusiastic about the opportunity for students to learn about the eclipse outside of the traditional classroom setting. Jessica Higgins, a fifth-grade math and science teacher, expressed her excitement surrounding the event. She noted that it is a bucket list experience for many and that the support from the community and the school has allowed students to participate safely in this unique event.