On Monday, April 8, The University of Texas at Arlington will experience a once-in-a-lifetime event as the Great Northern American Eclipse passes directly over our campus. This won’t happen in Arlington again for another 200 years. The eclipse will begin at 12:22 p.m. and reach totality at 1:40 p.m. and we’ll have just about the most ideal viewing spot on the planet.
As the eclipse is fast approaching, we are excited to announce that UTA will be hosting a viewing party, UTA’s Solar-bration, on campus where we can come together as a community. The event will happen from 12-3 p.m. at four primary viewing locations: Brazos Park, University Center Mall, Planetarium Mall, and the Library Mall. These locations will have free viewing glasses (while supplies last) and audio updates on what you are seeing as the eclipse passes. Safety is of the utmost importance during this event, and glasses will also be available for pickup on a first-come, first-served basis the week prior.
More details on the viewing parties, how to obtain glasses, parking, and events happening across campus will be updated on the Solar-bration webpage and shared in MavWire. I encourage you to check these communications regularly for the latest updates.
To ensure everyone has the chance to experience this awe-inspiring event, UTA will cancel classes and pause non-essential University services from 1-2 p.m. so that students, faculty, and staff can gather to witness the eclipse.
Classes will not meet, and most normal University services will be paused for that hour. Provost Tamara L. Brown and Talent, Culture, and Engagement Vice President Jewel Washington will be sharing instructions following this message for faculty and staff on logistics.
As we prepare for this exciting event, we also anticipate increased activity and traffic on campus. Please plan accordingly and check regular UTA communications for the latest news. Our leadership is working hard to ensure a safe and memorable experience for our entire community and guests on campus.
To welcome our guests in true Maverick fashion, we are looking for volunteers to help distribute glasses and answer questions. If you are able to volunteer to help, please use this link to register: Solar-bration Volunteer.
Let’s come together as a Maverick community and solar-brate these good times!
