The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) recently hosted two exciting events on the same day. On Oct. 14, UTPB held its Falcon Day while also witnessing the annular solar eclipse.
According to a Facebook post by UTPB, the day was described as "perfect" as the university community had the opportunity to share the rare astrological event of a solar eclipse with the entire community while also welcoming new families for Falcon Day.
Falcon Day, as stated on the university's website, is an event designed for prospective students and their families to experience what it's like to be a UTPB Falcon. Visitors had the chance to explore student life, listen to current students' stories, and gather essential information. For those who missed this year's Falcon Day, they will have three more opportunities in the 2023-2024 academic year on Nov. 11, Feb. 24, 2024, and Apr. 13, 2024.
In addition to hosting future Falcons, UTPB also organized an on-campus eclipse viewing party. NASA recognized the university as one of the best locations in the country to view the annular solar eclipse. The campus was filled with community members and scientists who gathered to witness and study the eclipse, also known as a "ring of fire," as described in another Facebook post by UTPB.
The university further explained that an annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon appears relatively small in the sky and does not fully cover the sun's disk, leaving a thin outer ring, often referred to as a "ring of fire."
Overall, the day was a tremendous success for UTPB, as they provided an opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the university while also experiencing the awe-inspiring event of a solar eclipse.