Solar Eclipse

Story by Fabian Rosales ≫

For many, the solar eclipse was a breathtaking experience, but for the people of Northeastern Kansas, it was disappointing. On August 21, some Eudora students were allowed to miss school to see the once in a lifetime event. As expected, students took advantage of this opportunity and many took the road trip to the “zone of totality,” which stretched across the northernmost counties of Kansas.

Angel Garrett, Sr., drove to Effingham, Kansas and described it as being crowded but peaceful at the same time.

Even though she had put forth the extra effort to travel to the zone of totality, Garrett couldn’t see the sun. Mother Nature decided that it was a good day to have clouds roll in.

“We didn’t get to see much of totality because of the weather,” Garrett said, “but we did see most of the eclipse and got to experience what happens with totality.” Despite the absence of sun, Angel loved seeing the 360 degree sunset.

The clouds in Eudora made it difficult to see the moon slowly covering the sun. On the other hand, people who traveled up north to be in the “zone of totality,” witnessed the darkness..

“It got really dark, it felt like night, but it was 1 p.m.” said William Younkin, Sr.

Senior Jon Bock. drove two hours to Sabetha, Kansas to see this event.

“It wasn’t crowded,” Bock said, “just a little traffic.”

Jon didn’t notice that it was getting closer to totality until it suddenly got dark.

All fun came to an end when it started to get brighter. The big event was over and it was time to head home.

“It was a little disappointing, but it was worth it in the end,” Bock said.

The next eclipse is set for April 8, 2024, but it won’t pass through Kansas again. Some people are already planning their trip.

“If I could, I would like to see totality again.” said Garrett.