2024 Total Eclipse Stories & Recap

By: Estefanía Bautista

CLARKSVILLE – Students at University of the Ozarks are excited and curious about what could be a once-in-lifetime chance for them to see a total solar eclipse.

“I want to be able to see the stars, Venus, and Jupiter during the day.” said Jonathan Santamaria, a chemistry major student.

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8. The ares of totality will pass over Clarksville and last for several minutes.

This phenomenon happens when the moon passes in front of the sun and earth, blocks the face of the sun, and the sky becomes dark.

At the University of the Ozarks, students will have the chance to appreciate the eclipse in its totality. Most of them have expressed different expectations on the impact of the eclipse.

“I’m really excited, because when I was in Panama nothing like this ever happened,” said Vaderly Vega, a chemistry and biology student. “I understand why many people (are) coming, I would do that if I was close and knowing that it would be exciting and fun.”

Emma Seiler, who’s also a chemistry and biology student, said, “It is going to be really cool, it will be a lifetime experience, and a lot of people are talking about it.”

For other students, the eclipse will be just another natural phenomenon.

“At the end of the day, it is an event that happens maybe in different forms but with many similarities every year, but some people sell the idea that it will be a unique event when it is not,” said Eduardo Munguia, a political science and philosophy major.

Political science major Fernanda Aguilar said it’s still significant for the Clarksville area. “It’s ok that people make a big deal and enjoy when something happens.”

By: Robert Chery

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — The upcoming total solar eclipse is gearing up to be a must-see event. Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or just curious about what all the fuss is about, there are some key things to keep in mind for the best viewing experience.

First, you will want to scope out a spot with a clear view of the sky and minimal light pollution. If you can, try to find a high elevation location as that can offer a panoramic and more breathtaking view of the sky. Weather forecasts for the event look promising, but keep an eye on updates to ensure your area has clear skies to guarantee the greatest visibility.

During the first stage of the event, you’ll notice the moon starting its journey across the sun which is known as a partial eclipse. At this point your solar glasses should be on and you should be able to see its characteristic crescent shape.

Next comes that main event, which is totality: the moon completely covers the sun creating a ‘diamond ring’ effect. Be on the lookout for Bailey’s beads, too, as the rugged lunar landscape allows beads of sunlight to shine through the moon’s valleys and canyons.

It’s at this point where you can take your glasses off for a complete visual experience. Take some cool photos, have a good look, and if you can, try to see it up close through a telescope. Make sure to soak it in since this time around totality only lasts three minutes.

As the moon moves away from the sun, your solar glasses should be back as the sky begins to brighten and the stars and planets fade. The sun emerges from behind the moon, returning to its partially eclipsed state then back into a full sun. So, gather your friends and family as the solar eclipse is more than just a scientific phenomenon; it could be a chance to connect with others over the wonders of the universe and our solar system.

By: Destiny Clark

CLARKSVILLE – As the solar eclipse approaches on April 8, Clarksville is not just preparing for a cosmic event but also a culinary celebration. Local food places are taking a chance to celebrate the phenomenon in their own unique style.

Smokees BBQ, La Michoacán, and Luna’s Snow Cone Stand focus on different kinds of foods, but the one thing they have in common is their excitement about the eclipse.

La Michoacán, known for its Mexican food and ice creams, embraced the eclipse spirit by adding a special sweet twist to their menu with flavors such as ‘meteor shower’ and ‘universe.’

The restaurant’s owner said he took inspiration from a ice cream maker in Mexico who made an eclipse flavor 24 years ago. It combines chocolate, cacao, and charcoal to make a black ice cream, then creates the eclipse ring with sprinkles.

Luna’s snow cone stand is also offering eclipse-themed flavors such as twilight and eclipse. They’ve been in operation for 42 years, after starting as a summer job for its namesake owner. Smokee’s will sling their Southern hospitality and barbecue offerings on the road. Their food truck will be at the Total Eclipse of the Heart Festival in Russellville, taking advantage of the large amount of visitors to the River Valley.

BY: Irene Dames

CLARKSVILLE- The total solar eclipse on April 8 is more than just the sky darkening. It is a tale that stretches back through time and plays a strong role in celestial research.

Dr. Befrika Murdianti, a professor at the University of the Ozarks, shed light on the science behind eclipses during a recent interview.

Simply put, a solar eclipse happens when the moon is aligned with the earth and the sun.

“There are two main types of solar eclipse,” said Murdianti. “When the moon is further from the earth it does not block the sun completely, this is an annular eclipse. However, when it is closer to the earth the sun is covered completely and there is a total eclipse.”

Babylonian researchers were the first to discover the patterns eclipses followed, called saros patterns. This information was recorded on clay tablets, but used for less-than-scientific reasons according to retired NASA astronomer Fred Espenak.

Espenak said Mesopotamian cultures believed eclipses signalled the deaths of kings, so when one was coming the current king would abdicate and put a substitute on the throne. Once the “danger” had passed, the substitute was executed and the king would resume his rule.

Historians also say some of the earliest recorded eclipses didn’t end well for a few astral observers. In 2134 B.C.E., Chinese Imperial Emperor Chung K’ang heard his subjects banging pots and pans in the streets – it was believed at the time a dragon ate the sun, and people needed to scare it away. K’ang’s court astronomers, Hsi and Ho, had apparently gotten drunk and failed to tell their emperor the eclipse was coming, and K’ang had them beheaded.

Later in history, eclipses would be important to providing proof in Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity. In 1919, four years after Einstein’s theory was published, physicist Sir Arthur Eddington and a group of English scientists used a total eclipse to measure starlight seen near the sun. Their measurements confirmed light bent as it passed by the sun, supporting Einstein’s theory that massive objects warp the fabric of space-time and that distortion manifests as gravity.

By Blanca Gutierrez

CLARKSVILLE – In the midst of the astronomical spectacle taking place on April 8, a design created by a University of the Ozarks arts student will help capture the brilliant essence of the eclipse.

Driven by her passion for design and arts, junior Mirian Miralda chose to take part in a t-shirt design contest organized by the university to celebrate the upcoming solar eclipse day. Out of all the submissions, Miralda’s design was chosen as the winner. 

Miralda is an international student originally from Comayagua, Honduras, who is majoring in arts and marketing. Miralda has been involved in numerous art projects and competitions while attending UofO. Through her artistic talents and participation, she has contributed to the university’s reputation for exceptional creative ability.

Miralda expressed that digital design for clothing, specifically shirts, has been a longtime passion of hers. She also mentioned that astronomy is another subject she finds fascinating. The opportunity to combine these two interests gave her motivation to participate in this project.

Miralda, like many artists, wanted to create a significant artwork that could represent the Ozarks community at a memorable event such as a solar eclipse of which we are a part of.

“While I was brainstorming, I thought about including the eagle in the illustration because the school mascot is an important element for many students. To better relate it to the event, I added the eclipse glasses to the eagle and then decided to incorporate the moon blocking the sun symbol to replace the letter O in the word ‘total’,” she said.

Miralda’s design for the solar eclipse shirt is a one-of-a-kind work that has received a lot of positive feedback from students, faculty, and staff at the university as well as in Ozarks social media accounts.

“Mirian is a very creative person with remarkable artistic skills and I’m not surprised at how well she came up with that design for the eclipse shirt,” said Ozarks student Jonathan Santamaria.

For many, the 2024 solar eclipse will be the first one they have ever witnessed, and for students, being able to see it while on campus with their college friends will create an unforgettable experience. A commemorative shirt would serve as memorabilia for students and visitors to remember this special event.

“I think for many Ozarks students the shirt will have a historic value for such a distinctive day as a solar eclipse,” said Santamaria.

“I am a sentimental person and like to have different memorable things for different big occasions. I like that the school made something that not only went with the occasion but also with our university,” said Ozarks student Karlee McCaghren.

The shirts are available at the University of the Ozarks Bookstore located on the first floor of Robson Library, as long as supplies last.

By Destiny Hampton

CLARKSVILLE – The world won’t end during the total solar eclipse of April 8. Religions of the world, though, do apply many different meanings to the sun and moon’s yearly passage, and some might seem extreme to those unfamiliar with their traditions.

Buddhists believe that during a solar eclipse, the effects of positive and negative actions are multiplied by 10,000. Meaning if you engage in virtuous practice it will be more helpful than usual.

Lama Dawa Rinpoche says, “During an eclipse, Dharma Prayer is the special method to not leak away the element’s energy that is the support for all beings.” 

Rinpoche said that the Dharma Prayer is not just used for solar eclipses but also when lunar eclipses happen.

In the Islamic faith, there is a story that an eclipse happened when the prophet Muhammad’s son died, and many assumed the sun darkened because of the tragedy. Scholars say the the prophet told his followers, “The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah and they do not eclipse because of the death of someone. Whenever you see these eclipses pray and invoke (Allah).”

During an eclipse mosques may hold a kusuf, or eclipse prayer, to refocus attention on the connection between God and nature.

In the Christian faith, some believe a solar eclipse is a sign pointing to the second coming of Christ.

“To me it is simply a reminder of the heavens God created,” said Jeremy Wilhelmi, chaplain at the University of the Ozarks.

“There are solar eclipses happening around the world at different times depending on the rotation,” he said. “We tend to think very small when it comes to Christianity, like… it’s happening right here, or it’s just happening to me, whereas God is God of the universe and God is working in many way we will never see and understand.”

By Makayla Hollowell

CLARKSVILLE – Arkansans who are excited to experience the total solar eclipse may forget to account for another member of their household during the festivities: their pets.

What should someone who’s worried about their dog or cat’s well-being and behavior during the eclipse do to get ready?”

According to Dr. Jerry Klein, the chief veterinarian of the American Kennel Club, there isn’t much of an issue with pet’s reactions during the event.

In an interview with Good Morning America, Klein mentioned that “we never see animals staring at the sun… [because] nature is very smart if you let them be natural and not force them to do something that is not normal for them.”

Because of this, veterinarians advise owners not to try and force pets to look at the eclipse, and say it’s also best to keep them indoors if you can. 

Specialists agree that pets are more likely to respond to changes in their owner’s behavior. If their human is excited, then the pets are more likely to share that emotion. At most, domesticated animals may show brief signs of stress and anxiety during the event. The Blue Cross Organization says signs might include cowering, pacing, tucking their tail underneath them and hiding. They react similarly when faced with loud or frightening events like fireworks and storms.

On the other hand, cats are a bit harder to read. Some are very easy to understand, while others can be a bit more secretive. The Blue Cross says that signs of stress in cats include tense body language, flattened ears, hiding or aggression. If your animals, indoor or outdoor, do react negatively to the sudden lack of light the best thing you can do is monitor them. Some prefer to be left alone, while others want to be comforted. It’s a new experience for them and there’s no telling how they may react.

By Haleigh Johnson

CLARKSVILLE- A total solar eclipse happens about twice every three years, and if you plan to view it – especially more than once – it’s important to know how to take care of your eyes.

NASA says that if you are not taking proper care to watch the solar eclipse safely you risk developing “eclipse blindness,” or retinal burns.

Eclipse blindness is when you look at the solar eclipse without proper eyewear. It can damage or even destroy cells in your retina which allow you to see. Some victims of eclipse blindness say the shape of the eclipse is permanently burned out of their eyesight, creating the image of a crescent moon or causing their eyesight to blur.

Experts say the reason it happens is the normal reaction to staring at the sun, squinting, doesn’t trigger when we’re looking at an eclipse. The light which does get through is incredibly focused, like a laser pinpointing into your eyes. If we look overly long, we risk creating long-lasting damage when that light burns the retina, something which may not show up until a few hours after the eclipse ends.

NASA says the best way to watch the solar eclipse is through safe solar viewing glasses, these glasses are able to be bought online but it is possible to get free ones. It may be difficult to find free ones but by giving a call to your local eye doctor or library. Another method is to create a pinhole camera, possibly using your hands or a notecard. Crisscrossing your fingers to create small holes for the light to pass through can create the image of the sun on the ground as the moon passes in front of it. The same effect can happen with a notecard that has a small hole punched in it, or a colander.

By Fernanda Maya

CLARKSVILLE – The total solar eclipse has many businesses trying new items out to attract all the potential customers expected to descend on the Ozarks.

“We’re pretty excited about it,” said Katie Martin, manager of Diamond Drip Coffee.

The coffee shop, built into a stack of shipping containers on West Cherry Street, added new coffee, drinks, and baked goods on April 1 for a limited eclipse menu.

“Our pastry is a whoopie pie, that would be a chocolate cookie with buttercream frosting,” Martin said. “We have a cold brew called Bruno, a refresher called Pink Skies, and a latte called Milky Way Latte.”

Diamond Drip has been open since December. With the coming influx of people looking for a good spot to watch the rare celestial event, Martin hopes they decide to get a brew to go with their view. “Clarksville is supposed to triple its size, so I think it will affect our business in a good way,” she said.

By Valeria Mejia

CLARKSVILLE, Ark.—Small businesses in the path of totality are getting ready for locals and expected visitors on April 8 for the total solar eclipse. Two new restaurants are particularly excited about the opportunity.

Located in downtown, Prestonrose bistro has been serving up special farm-to-table dishes since December 2023. For Michael Preston and his wife, the eclipse will have an impact on their business, which will have special hours and offerings.

“We are having a special menu with coffee, bagels, special eclipse ice cream flavors, lunch and more during the activities at the Levee and our restaurant will serve dinner on April 4, 5 and 6,” said Preston.

Another downtown restaurant is investing in the hopes of post-eclipse excitement. Rooftop on Main has stocked up with a new specialty that includes a campfire chicken and shrimp to commemorate the eclipse.

Typically closed on Monday, the restaurant plans to keep its doors open for the special occasion with hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are having all our employees on shift to provide a better service for our expected customers,” said Austin Mitchell, General Manager of Rooftop on Main.

That makes the eclipse both an astronomic phenomenon, and hopefully a gastronomic one, for Clarksville.

By Jorge Mendoza

CLARKSVILLE – On April 8, the University of the Ozarks will have the privilege of being in the path of totality for the solar eclipse occurring on that day.

Nowadays, we understand why this astronomical event occurs. The moon orbits the Earth, which at the same time orbits the sun. And it just so happens that the moon is just the right size that it can cover the sun as we see it in the sky. When the Earth, sun and moon align we get an eclipse.

We know this today thanks to the advances in science and technology, but eclipses have always occurred, so how did ancient people explain the sudden darkness in the middle of the day? One recurring motif across cultures is that a powerful creature or animal swallowed the sun.

In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, the Amrita is an elixir that caused anyone who drank it to become immortal, one of the many treasures that sprouted from the churning of The Ocean of Milk. Both the gods and demons fought over it. It was then that the god Vishnu took the form of Mohini, an enchantress, and managed to charm the demons into giving her the Amrita. Mohini, then started distributing the elixir among the gods. What she didn’t know was that a demon, Svarbahnu, had followed her and had disguised himself as a god. Although the sun and the moon had seen through his intentions and quickly alerted Vishnu of the deception, who beheaded the demon that had already become immortal. His head became known as Rahu and the body became Ketu. It is said that Rahu is forever chasing the sun, and when he swallows it an eclipse occurs, but due to his body-less nature the sun safely passes through what remains of his throat.

Further up north in China, it was thought that when an eclipse occurred a dragon swallowed the sun causing darkness to flood the land. During the reign of the Chinese emperor Chung K’ang (2159-2146 B.C) an eclipse occurred. Historians tell that the people, who refused to stayed idle seeing as how the sun was being devoured, started banging drums and pot and pans together in an effort to frighten the dragon who ended up being successful, seeing as the sun still shines above us.

But this belief of animals eating the sun is not unique to the Asian continent; many of these similar myths appear throughout the American continent. Aztec pictographs depict a jaguar, an important animal in the Aztec mythology, biting the sun and eating it, although there are also other pictographs depicting the souls of sacrificed warriors attacking the sun causing it to turn dark. Either way there seems to be a current theme of something wild or violent taking away the light from the world.

Dragons, demon serpents, jaguars and angry souls, all powerful beings in their respective cultures, it would make sense that they all form part of myths explaining eclipses, since only this kind of entities would have the power to blot out the sun.

It is important to note these stories come from a place of trying to make sense of huge astronomical events without the aid of modern technology, and don’t reflect those cultures being ‘primitive’ or inferior in nature. After all, folk stories and myths like these help enrich our culture and speak of the universal human drive of trying to make sense of the world we inhabit and the beautiful events that occur in it.

By Phoenix Mertin

CLARKSVILLE – The Johnson County Department of Emergency Management held a multi-agency meeting on Tuesday, April 2, just one week before Arkansas experiences the totality of the Great Solar Eclipse.

Klay Rowbothom, the deputy director at the department, said that they have held planning meetings for over a year for this event.

Since the River Valley area is in the path of totality, emergency services say they plan to see a lot of tourism as people come from across the country to see the eclipse.

Attendees representing agencies like the Clarksville Road Department, Clarksville Connected Utilities, Arkansas State Police, Clarksville City Police, and the Johnson County Health Unit among others come to discuss concerns and emergency plans in preparation for a potential increase in visitors.

“We’ve been having good turnouts at these meetings,” Rowbothom said, “I’m very glad to see all the agencies come together to protect these citizens and guests to the county.”

Meanwhile, across the Arkansas River, Scranton City Attorney Mark Johnson has been working with emergency management in Logan County. He said there could be as many as 300,000 visitors based on a past eclipse in Oregon and urges residents to avoid traveling over the weekend.

Rowbothom said that the traffic is his main concern. Clarksville is located on I-40 making it a prime location for travelers to pass through. The traffic could slow response times to emergencies, which he said “Could make what might not be a big deal, a big deal.”

Street Superintendent Stanley Edgmon told KUOZ that he will block off roads downtown for festivities and work with the police to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Mirroring Rowbothom’s concerns is Business Director Bethany Bean with CCU who said that the company will stage crews on both sides of Clarksville to respond quickly to any power or water issues.

In Ozark, the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation has also placed crews and supplies to cut down response times, according to Engineering Manager Chris Howe.

Neither company anticipates outages, but as Rowbothom and others in the emergency services have said, “Plan for the worst, hope for the best.”

By: La’Delpha Rhiney

CLARKSVILLE- On April 4, Dr. Erin Mcdonald spoke at the University of the Ozarks where she presented her lecture titled “Representation Matters: How STEM in TV and Movies led me to Hollywood.”

Mcdonald spoke on her journey to Hollywood and what brought about her interests for movies, motivations that helped her through life and how she got to where she is now.

“It all started with this show, I Love Lucy. I loved her character and everything about her and as a fellow red head I wanted to be like her.” Mcdonald’s love for films sparked from admiration of strong female characters and roles that fascinated her such as a producer Kathleen Kennedy, and Jodie Foster.

Mcdonalds’ science journey started with her hero, Dana Scully from the TV show X-files. Mcdonald wanted to be like Scully but didn’t want to take the medical path. She studied astrophysics and astronomy in New Mexico because of another fictional hero, this time from the movie “Contact.” “That was where Dr. Ellie Arroway heard aliens for the first time,” Macdonald said.

In Mexico, Mcdonald loved what she was doing but she was was not happy and struggling. Her professor’s words and advice led her to transfer to the University of Colorado.

At Colorado University she started research in radio astronomy, and it opened many doors for her and is where she discovered Star Trek.

What clenched her love for Star Trek is dressing up for the premier of the newest of the films and “finding her people.”

Two weeks after graduating she moved to University of Glasgow in Scotland to study gravitational waves.

After getting her PHD she moved back to Colorado and started working at a science museum and had a part time position as an educator where she taught astronomy and physics. She then got a job as an aerospace engineer.

She found herself wanting to work in film but had no way of doing it. After her divorce she moved to Las Angelos where she got many opportunities.

Mcdonald was invited to give talks at official license Star Trek events and was given the opportunity to work on Orbital Redux, where she helped coach actors and worked on set.

She later went to work on more small series and eventually was hired for a season of Star Trek Discovery where she later worked for the whole series.

Mcdonald went on to produce her own shows called Every Morning and Identities with her company Spacetime Productions. Her journey was not always easy and when she felt like giving up, she would quote Kathryn Janeway.

By Shanique Sinclair

CLARKSVILLE, AR.,- The Johnson County Chamber of Commerce has been planning for the total solar eclipse in Clarksville and surrounding areas for about one year now.

 The eclipse, which takes place on April 8 with the totality expected to begin at approximately 1:50 p.m., will not take place for another 20 years.

 While the chamber does not have specific projections for the economic impact of the eclipse, generally they expect that with the large number of people visiting the community the economy will be impacted.

“Our goal since the beginning has been to provide an experience and an impact that makes our visitors want to come and visit Johnson County again,” said Chamber Vice-President Abby Tucker.

 To capitalize on the eclipse’s tourism potential, the Clarksville Johnson County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting three events for locals and tourists alike to attend; Live at the Levee, Moonwalk Fun Run and Moonwalk on the Block. The concerts will have food and craft vendors along with Johnson County Eclipse t-shirts and eclipse glasses on sale.

While infrastructure improvements and enhancements are not technically the responsibility of the Chamber, Tucker said the city and county have worked together to prepare contingencies.

“The chamber also collaborated with the county and city to prepare landforms for property owners hosting big events or selling camping spaces at their private property and also ensuring that there will be several things for visitors to do throughout their time in Clarksville,” she said.

 “Part of our job as a Chamber is to support the business community and build relationships with them. We have constantly been talking to businesses about their plans for the eclipse and encouraging them to be open.”

In preparation for visitors the Chamber has done several things to promote local attractions, amenities, and experiences. These include creating an eclipse and a tourist website along with collaborating with the University of the Ozarks Marketing Club to operate social media pages and help with data collection.

The eclipse is a prime opportunity for the Chamber and the community to introduce Clarksville to persons that have never been here before and hopefully influence these persons to visit again by creating an impactful experience for all individuals.