On April 8, the Longhorn community had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a total solar eclipse on The University of Texas at Austin campus. Austin was in the path of totality for the eclipse, and from 1:36 to 1:38 p.m., the UT campus was cloaked in darkness as the sun passed behind the moon.
The University canceled classes and meetings for two hours so that the whole community could participate in the Total Eclipse of the Horns event. The University staged viewing areas around campus with viewing glasses and eclipse-themed snacks, including moon pies and Sun Chips. At the Tower, three ensembles from the Butler School of Music performed: the Jazz Ensemble, Mariachi Paredes and the Longhorn Band. All three groups performed a different arrangement of the 1980s classic pop hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” along with other eclipse-themed selections.
The Visual Arts Center organized an eclipse-themed exhibition in the Courtyard Gallery and for the opening celebration featured a performance by Billy X. Curmano, as well as eclipse glasses decorating stations and a space-themed potluck. (Photos by Jennifer Irving)
Landmarks commissioned award-winning musician Kelly Richey to create an eclipse-inspired composition for James Turrell’s Skyspace, The Color Inside. During a multiday residency, Richey gave several improvisational performances in the Skyspace, culminating with a presentation of her new composition during the eclipse.
