Across the CAST Schools network, students far and wide gathered to witness the North American solar eclipse that took place on April 8, 2024. Students were able to take a break from their STAAR test preparations and witness a global phenomenon that will not again be visible for several decades. Although the morning started very cloudy (and even a bit rainy), by 1:30PM CST the students were able to see the moon begin to cross in front of the sun. Before it was even totally visible, students from the Advanced Learning Academy began pointing at random objects in the sky, claiming that what they were looking at was the eclipse. When the actual eclipse made itself visible, it quickly put these rumors to rest.

The solar eclipse only lasted several minutes, however it created memories and stories that will last a lifetime. When the eclipse reached totality, what was once mid-day sunshine quickly blackened into a deep midnight. It was so quick and sudden that even the nearby streetlights flickered on in an attempt to keep up. The air outside also became much cooler now that the sun had been blocked, and with the help of our ISO-approved sunglasses, we watched the moon make its rotation before disappearing again into the clouds.

CAST Med senior Santiago was able to speak with the news about the eclipse. You can see his interview here.

After what felt like an eternity, the eclipse was over. Students returned to the classroom, and many felt disappointed that they could not see more of the event because of the cloudy weather. It will not be for many years until these students will be able to see another solar eclipse in North America.

About the 2024 Solar Eclipse

The solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, was a total solar eclipse visible across a band covering parts of North America, from Mexico to Canada and crossing the contiguous United States. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby obscuring the Sun.

About CAST Schools

The Centers for Applied Science and Technology (CAST Schools) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a network of 5 tuition-free, industry-led, career-themed high schools in San Antonio and one pre-k through 12th Academy. CAST’s innovative school model allows students to learn by doing and gain real world experience through internship, job shadowing and mentorship opportunities, and is among the first of its kind in the state of Texas.