Although it was previously announced that all classes would be cancelled on August 21 because of the eclipse, that decision has been reconsidered and classes that begin at or after 5 pm. on Monday the 21st will now be held.
We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience.
Monday, Aug. 21, will be a historic day. A total solar eclipse will pass over much of the United States, and Chattanooga will experience a 90 percent eclipse.
To allow faculty, staff and students to safely participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event, day classes will be cancelled on Aug. 21, and the University will be closed until 5 p.m., when night classes will begin.
Do not stare directly at the eclipse without the proper eye protection. Regular sunglasses will not work.
Campus services on Aug. 21
- The ARC will open 6 a.m.-noon, then reopen 5-8 p.m.
- Maclellan Gym will be closed.
- CARTA shuttle will not resume bus service for campus until Tuesday, August 22nd
- Bookstore (UC): 8 am – 5 pm (Outside entrance only)
- Graphics Services(Admin Bldg.): 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Mail Services (Admin Bldg.): 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Food Service:
- Crossroads: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- South Campus POD Market/Subway: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Boling POD Market: 2 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Starbucks: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Other hours for campus services will be added as they are determined.
Safety information
Just in case you haven’t heard, viewing the Aug. 21 eclipse without proper protection can seriously hurt your vision. Do not view the upcoming solar eclipse wearing only regular sunglasses or even just looking up. Regular sunglasses absolutely will not work. Damage can occur very quickly, so don’t think you’re safe if you only look at it for a few seconds. You might not even know you’ve hurt your eyes until hours later.
You’ll also need a special filter if you’re using a telescope, binoculars or camera. Such devices magnify the image, directing concentrated sun rays into your eyes and can actually increase the amount of damage.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can basically give the eye a sunburn, known as photokeratitis. Symptoms are red eyes, feeling as if you’ve got something in your eye, excessive tears and sensitivity to light. The effects usually go away on their own, but they can be painful.
Too much light directly from the sun also can permanently damage the eye’s retina, where visual images of what you see are formed. Known as solar retinopathy, eyes feel sore and watery, and there’s sensitivity to light. Depending on the amount of damage, you may have trouble picking out shapes or details, and there may be a blind spot in the center of your vision. There’s no treatment for solar retinopathy and symptoms can last for weeks, months or even be permanent.
Learn more about eclipses and the 2017 eclipse at:
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-101
Eclipse viewing glasses
A limited supply of NASA-approved safety glasses will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Oak Street Roast on Sunday, Aug. 20, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Chamberlain Field. Look for the UTC Mocs Express Train.
In Chattanooga, the eclipse will cover about 90 percent coverage of the sun. The eclipse will begin around 1 p.m. in our area with most-extensive coverage around 2:30 p.m. The eclipse should fully be past Chattanooga around 4:45 p.m. Learn more about the eclipse timeline for Chattanooga at:
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/chattanooga
Shooting the eclipse on your phone
You can try, but you will likely be disappointed with the results. Plus, there is a greater chance of you looking at the eclipse without protective glasses while fiddling around with your phone.
If you want to try, check out NASA’s tips:
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/can-i-photograph-eclipse-my-smartphone
