By Becky Daniel, director of strategic marketing

While many have seen a partial solar eclipse, there are few in the world who’ve seen a total solar eclipse. The experience is so mesmerizing that thousands of people travel across the globe every year for two minutes without sunlight. Now that event will welcome Union College students to the first day of class, Aug. 21.

The partial eclipse begins at 11:37 a.m., and total eclipse begins at 1:02 p.m. (and 34 seconds), lasting for 1 minute 32 seconds.

While a total solar eclipse happens every year, it often occurs in remote locations like the middle of the ocean, or over a tough-to-reach desert or jungle. This year, however, the total solar eclipse’s path will streak across the heart of the United States.

Will I have a class during the eclipse?

Good news! Union is adjusting the entire first day of classes so that everyone can enjoy the eclipse.

Where do I go to see the eclipse?

Bring a blanket to lay on and join us on the Quad (between admin building and Don Love building) from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for free eclipse shades, music and fun treats. We’ll bring the glasses (thank you Lincoln SDA Credit Union!). Remember your ID for a $6 space-themed lunch.

When’s the next total solar eclipse visible in Nebraska?

According to eclipsewise.com, in 89 years.

I’ve seen eclipses before, what’s the big deal?

The author of eclipse2017.org and veteran of 12 total solar eclipses explains the difference:

Partial eclipses are somewhat interesting, in that with the proper eye protection (which MUST be used at all times), one can see the moon moving slowly across the face of the sun. But there is no climax, no culmination of the event, no exhilarating moment of true beauty in the sky above them. The event is not memorable, not life-changing, not anything to inspire one to join the ranks of “umbraphiles” – “shadow-loving” persons who travel the world to the most remote locations, in anticipation of experiencing those few fleeting seconds of wonderment inside the shadow of the moon.

For those outside the path [of the total eclipse], there is no dramatic moment of totality, no dance of Baily’s Beads around the edge of the moon’s disk, no intense darkening of the skies, no stars and planets suddenly revealing themselves against an impossible twilight, no corona flashing into view (the otherworldly beauty of which makes even veteran total eclipse observers gasp in amazement), and no primordial fear which sinks ever so slightly even the modern heart. There is no pitch-blackened disk of the sun, no discernable temperature drop, no impossible nighttime during the day, no scintillating chromosphere or glorious prominences, no 360-degree sunset effect around the horizon, no uncontrollable shouts of emotional overload from the assembled crowd, and no lingering post-eclipse sensation of certainty that you have just done one of the coolest things you’ll ever do in your life.

Is Lincoln in the direct path or would I need to travel outside the city?

We will be in the direct path. If you want to see the most central path to see the total eclipse for an extra minute, check out this path website.

How many states are in the path of the total solar eclipse?

Fourteen states. Union is the only Seventh-day Adventist college that will be directly in its path for 2017.

Will travel to Lincoln be affected?

Yes. We expect flights and lodging in Lincoln and many other parts of Nebraska to be impacted, so we encourage students who still need flights to buy those quickly.

Do I need protective eye wear?

Absolutely. You can seriously damage your eye if you look at the sun before or after the eclipse, but you’ll want to take off your eclipse shades during total eclipse to see the stars, four planets and the sun’s corona.

Thankfully, the Lincoln SDA Credit Union is providing eclipse shades for free to Union College students. Come to the Quad for lunch and festivities the day of the event to receive your glasses.

If my family’s in Lincoln, can they join the Union celebration?

We love families and yours is welcome to join! They’ll just need to bring $6 cash if they want to get the lunch provided.

Can my family get free eclipse shades from Union?

Unfortunately we have a limited amount and we’ve already promised them to employees and students. We’ll be passing the glasses out to Union personnel and students first. If there’s left overs, we’re happy to share.

You can also take turns sharing your eclipse shades with your family.  Thankfully during the total eclipse, no one will need solar shades.

This seems like a familiar historical event in our church history, why?

Ever since the beginning of the Seventh-day Adventist church, our members have looked to the sun, moon and stars for reminders of Jesus’ soon second coming (Matthew 24:29).

Just as the rainbow is a symbol of God’s promise (Genesis 9:12-16), when we see celestial phenomenon, we are reminded of Jesus’ promise to return for His children.

I’ve got questions!

• To learn more about what a solar eclipse is and about the 2017 phenomenon: check out eclipse2017.nasa.gov, www.eclipsewise.com or www.eclipse2017.org
• To learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church, contact 402.486.2504 and ask for Pastor Rich Carlson or visit adventist.org