On Monday April 8, 2024 at 2:14 p.m., a partial solar eclipse began, and at 3:26 p.m., a total eclipse darkened Vermont’s daytime sky, lasting about 3 minutes. The celestial phenomenon continued as a partial eclipse until 4:37 p.m. Vermont’s location within the 2024 solar eclipse's path of totality made it an ideal place to take in the wonder and spectacle of this natural event, which had not happened in Vermont since 1932. The time and duration for specific locations could be determined using the 2024 Time and Date AS Eclipse Map. An estimated 160,000 visitors traveled to Vermont for this event!
For those libraries in the path of totality, it was recommended library staff find out about events their town or city had planned and how the library might be a part of those events. This was often a better option than hosting an event at the library, depending on staffing capacity and the availability of public restrooms and other facilities.
The State launched an Eclipse page featuring travel information, observation safety tips, maps, links for updates and alerts, and a list of eclipse events through Vermont Vacation 2024 Total Solar Eclipse page. Those who wished to publish an event, could find guidelines and a submission form on the Vermont Vacation calendar sign-up page.
Resources
Vermont Department of Libraries | Eclipse Planning Roundtable Webinar
Department staff presented an Eclipse Planning Roundtable discussion on Thursday afternoon, February 29, 2024, where library staff from across the state shared ideas and resources, including event planning and ways to support community events.
Featured Speakers:
Planning Section Chief with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Max Kennedy, presenting a brief overview of the eclipse path and timing state travel information, and guidance and resources from the State of Vermont:
DPS Slide Eclipse Roundtable Presentation Slides (PDF)
STAR Net facilitators Anne Holland and Brooks Mitchell, discussing eclipse science and safe viewing practices:
STAR Net Eclipse Roundtable Presentation Slides (PDF)
Vermont Public’s Heather Duhamel, sharing information about the live day-of radio and TV coverage:
Vermont Public Eclipse Education Explainer (PDF) and please see additional Vermont Public eclipse programming links below.
Vermont League of Cities and Towns | Bi-Weekly Check-Ins
The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) hosts Bi-Weekly Eclipse Check-ins from January 25 to April 4 to “learn and share about community-level plans as well as what the State has planned.” Those attending the live Eclipse Check-ins must be VLCT members. Municipal library staff can register and participate by creating an account in advance. These online webinars are also recorded and available to the public. Explore VCLT's Eclipse Planning page featuring resources, recordings, and Check-in registration.
Vermont Public | Materials and Day-of Broadcast
Vermont Public offers information to discover if your location is in the path of totality, how to view the solar eclipse safely, and more at vermontpublic.org/eclipse. On the day of the eclipse, Vermont Public and the Fairbanks Museum will offer on air programming, including live total solar eclipse coverage from But Why host and executive producer Jane Lindholm and astronomy expert Mark Breen from the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium.
- Vermont Public's Eclipse Educational Offerings
- Vermont Public's materials for PreK/K-2: The Eclipse Learning Guide brings playful STEAM connections from ECHO’s Science and Stories video series along with social-emotional considerations, and an Eclipse tag game. The activity also includes an easy to use and click-ready printable model of the Earth, Moon and Sun to reenact the Eclipse at home. https://assets.vermontpublic.org/files/Eclipse-pre-K-K-2.pdf
- Vermont Public's materials for grades 3-5: This Eclipse Learning Guide offers pre-teaching opportunities using podcasts and video for pre-teaching. Activities include social-emotional connections and a model activity made to use at home or the classroom representing the distance between the Earth, Moon and Sun during totality. https://assets.vermontpublic.org/files/Eclipse-3-5.pdf
- Vermont Public's materials for grades 6-12: This Lesson Guide will help older students explore and understand the Eclipse by creating a model of the titled lunar orbit and ecliptic-plane. This activity model uses everyday objects and connections to documentaries by Vermont Public, PBS and NOVA to describe the unique nature of this historic event. https://assets.vermontpublic.org/files/Eclipse-6-12.pdf
StarNET | Trainings and Materials
StarNET’s Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) page. This page has many resources and links to upcoming and recorded virtual trainings as well as an Eclipse Guide for Public Libraries and Their Communities providing a range of ideas for library eclipse events and community partners that libraries can enlist for help. While registration for SEAL’s free eclipse glasses is closed due to limited supply, there are still options to buy glasses directly through any of the reputable vendors listed by the American Astronomical Society
NASA | News and Resources
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) solar eclipse resources:
- Solar Eclipse STEM Learning Resources
- In Depth: Eclipse News and Resources
- Learn How to Make a Pinhole Camera
Vermont Emergency Management
For eclipse-specific updates, text VTECLIPSE to 888-777. Users will receive text alerts regarding weather, traffic, and other notable information on the weekend and day of the eclipse.
Federal Highway Administration | Event Preparation Tools and Resources
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Operations, in collaboration with other Federal, State, and local transportation agency partners, recently shared an eclipse preparation webinar focused on the following topics:
- Setting the Stage for the Eclipse: Why it matters for transportation operations
- Polling on State DOT Planning Efforts
- Planned Special Event Consideration
- Road Weather Management Considerations
- Work Zone Management Considerations
- Traffic Incident Management Considerations
- International Travel Considerations
- Additional Strategies, Tools, and Resources
Additional resource links related to the Federal Highway Administration's eclipse preparation webinar are posted on the Solar Eclipse Resource page of the National Operations Center of Excellence.
Vermont Language Justice Project
Vermont Language Justice Project offers informational videos about the eclipse in some of the most commonly spoken languages in Vermont (including ASL).
Astronomers Without Borders | Post-Event Eclipse Glasses Reuse Program
Astronomers Without Borders is in the process of developing an eclipse glasses collection and redistribution program for 2024. Kat Moody, Chittenden Solid Waste District’s Community Outreach Coordinator, is arranging for solar glasses collection bins for this program in Chittenden county and can address questions about this process.
State of Vermont Employees | Eclipse Glasses Distribution Complete
The Department of Libraries has completed distribution of our supply of free solar eclipse glasses for state employees. All state employees are encouraged to explore programming or events occurring in their local communities for the eclipse.