SOLAR ECLIPSE
PATCH PROGRAM
GIRL SCOUTS OF THE GREEN AND WHITE MOUNTAINS
Serving New Hampshire and Vermont
Experience a rare solar eclipse
Did you know it takes an average of 375 years for a total solar eclipse to happen in the same location? This year, on
April 8, the path of a total eclipse will occur in northern Vermont and New Hampshire. Girl Scouts can make the most
of this incredible opportunity by earning our limited-edition Solar Eclipse patch offered in partnership with Moon Over
Vermont, traveling to the path of totality, or simply by learning about eclipses and experience it through media
coverage.
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is partnering with Moon Over Vermont, an online resource for all things
total solar eclipse, which offers educational, creative, and informative content to shine the light on their state during
the event, as well as a merchandise line to commemorate this rare sight.
Step 1
What is an eclipse?
An eclipse happens when one object in space blocks another from view. In a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between
the Sun and Earth. This prevents the Sun's light from reaching Earth. As the Moon passes in front of the Sun, the
Moon's shadow sweeps across Earth. The sky gradually grows darker. If the Sun's light is completely blocked, the
Moon appears as a black disc.
Read or watch a video online that explains how a solar eclipse works. Complete one of the following activities to
better understand how a solar eclipse works.
Choose one:
Create a model to show how the Sun and Moon paths cross to create an eclipse. You can find examples online
for how to create a model of the Sun, Earth and Moon. If you create a model, try using a flashlight to recreate
the shadow as it is cast on the Earth.
Draw a diagram or poster to show how the Sun, Moon and Earth create an eclipse. You can find examples
online. Be sure to label your diagram and include arrows to show how they move in orbit.
Create a human model to show how an eclipse happens. Have members of your troop or family take different
roles, Moon, Earth, Sun. Position yourselves so that when you orbit you recreate the shadow on the Earth. You
could try in a dark room with a bright flashlight for the Sun.
Step 2
Being able to see a solar eclipse is an exciting and sometimes once-in-a-lifetime experience! Areas in the path of
totality will often hold events and celebrations. They often welcome people from near and far who travel to view the
eclipse. The solar eclipse 2024 will be visible in certain parts of the United States, including Vermont and northern
New Hampshire.
Total solar eclipses are rare events, although they occur somewhere on Earth every 18 months on average. It is
estimated that they recur at any given place only once every 360 to 410 years, on average. Look online to see a map of
the path of totality for the April 2024 solar eclipse. Where will the path be closest to you? How long would it take to
travel to see the eclipse?
Read about how a town or state in the path is preparing for the eclipse. Visit websites like Moon Over Vermont to see
what is planned for the 2024 eclipse.
Choose one:
Eclipses have been viewed differently over
the years. Read or talk to someone about
their experience of an eclipse in the past.
What can they remember? You could watch
videos, read newspaper stories or other
accounts of past eclipses to learn more.
Using resources online, plan an imaginary
trip to see the 2024 eclipse. You could
check out events and locations near you or
choose somewhere else along the path of
totality. How would you get there? Where
are great local places to view? Are
organizations and businesses planning
special activities for the day or week?
Using what you found online from other
organizations preparing for the eclipse,
create your own poster or video to share
with others how they can participate in this
rare event. Share the poster or video with
friends or family so they can learn more
about the upcoming eclipse.
Step 3
We are able to read and learn about eclipse today because of the work of scientists for hundreds of years. Scientists
who study objects in the sky, including planets, galaxies, black holes, and stars are called astronomers and
astrophysicists. Research online to learn about a female scientist who is currently involved in astronomy or has done
research in the past. You can read an interview with a professor of astronomy on the Moon over Vermont site or
check your local library for books about astronomers. Complete one of these activities to share what you learned.
Choose one:
With a friend or family member, pretend that you are being interviewed as the astronomer who you read about.
Have the friend ask you questions and do your best to answer as you think the astronomer would. Think about
how they started their career, their biggest discoveries and how they shared their findings.
Create a trifold pamphlet to share the story of the astronomer you researched. You could include drawing or
facts you have learned. Share the brochure with your Girl Scout troop or family.
Interview a current scientist or astronomer to learn about the field today. Ask questions to better understand
their work, how they prepared for a career in science and what recommendations they might have. What do
they love about their career?
Step 4
It is important to understand how to safely experience a solar eclipse. Except during the brief total phase of a total
solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without
specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars,
or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause
severe eye injury. Talk with an expert or research online the safety procedures you need to follow to view an eclipse.
Discuss them with an adult to make sure you understand how to protect your eyes. Then complete one of these
steps to be ready to safely view the eclipse.
Choose one:
Make a pinhole projector or another form of indirect solar viewer. Love learning
You can find instructions online for a variety of different models.
about space?
Learn about ways to stay safe from the sun during eclipse and in
Try the Space Science badges
daily life. Create a poster to share with your community to
with your troop!
promote Sun safety in general or during a solar eclipse.
Decorate your own pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses ready to
wear in March. If you don’t have a pair, you can design a pair on a
piece of paper. What would you include? Share your decorated
glasses with your troop so they learn how to safely protect their
eyes.
Step 5
It’s time to experience the solar eclipse! If you are able to travel to a location to view the eclipse, make plans with your
family for the day. What do you need to bring with you? Do you have an alternative location if there is cloud cover. How
can you create something to remember the event?
If you can’t experience the eclipse in person, find a different way to be a part of the event. Watch coverage online or
on television. Read accounts or talk to someone who participated. You could watch a livestream online of the eclipse
in several different locations along the path of totality. Think about how you can remember the event. Draw a picture
as a souvenir or purchase a T-shirt to remember the day.
Take Action
These are optional, but great ways to expand
your learning and engagement with the solar
eclipse!
Be a citizen scientist! Visit the NASA
website for ways to participate as a
local Citizen Scientist. You’ll help
collect valuable data that will be
combined with others to make a
difference.
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/
citizen-science/
Volunteer at local eclipse events.
Search online for opportunities or
reach out to organizations in your
area that might be planning
celebrations.
Share what you have learned about
the solar eclipse with others who
might be interested.
Resources
Moon over Vermont
https://www.moonovervt.com/ Interested in learning
Our partner for this patch program and a great local resource for how to present activities
eclipse information. Special t-shirts and merchandise with Luna the
with children focused
cow available for purchase too.
on the eclipse?
NASA 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Join free trainings being offered
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/. by NH Cooperative Extension and
Resources on science, safety and more. 4-H. Learn more and register at
bit.ly/eclipsewithkids.
Obscura Burlington, the City of Burlington’s official
Total Solar Eclipse Celebration
https://loveburlington.org/obscura-burlington.
Information about City of Burlington celebrations open to the public.
Fairbanks Museum Solar Eclipse
https://fairbanksmuseum.org/solar-eclipse/.
Fairbanks Museum is offering a special discounted rate for Girl Scout youth during the months of March and
April. Wear your GS sash or vest and pay $5 for admission. Check their website for exhibits and special events for
the eclipse!
Great American Eclipse
https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/vermont-2024-eclipse.
Information on a national level including maps of path of totality.
SOLAR ECLIPSE
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