Garland is in the path of a once in a lifetime event, and South Garland students had the best view. Armed with solar film glasses for protection, the entire student body took to the sports fields to watch the solar eclipse Monday, April 8. 

 As students and staff headed to the field, clouds covered the sky, and many were convinced they would not budge. For 15 minutes, the clouds parted and covered again, giving glimpses of the crescent shape of the sun as the moon moved into place.

Just in time for the big moment at about 1:40pm, the clouds parted, and gave the show of a lifetime. 

The red crescent of the sun disappeared behind the round black outline of the moon, and the day darkened as though it was late evening. Shouts and cheers erupted from the crowd, and fireworks erupted from the neighborhood nearby to top it off.

“It’s like a giant black hole at the center of the universe!” one student exclaimed in the darkness. 

According to WFAA, the last time North Texas was in the direct path of a solar eclipse was 1878, nearly 150 years ago. It will be nearly twice as long for the next one in 2317.