All eyes were on the sky Monday, as people paused to witness a historic celestial event.
A total solar eclipse tracked northeastward across the United States during the afternoon, offering a memorable sight for sky watchers. In a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun, according to NASA. The sky darkens, as if it were dawn or dusk.
Celebrations took place in many area communities to mark the phenomenon. In Chesterfield Township, hundreds of people gathered at Brandenburg Park for an Eclipse Party complete with moon-themed snacks and viewing glasses. The event was hosted by the Chesterfield Township Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Department in partnership with the Chesterfield Township Library.
“It was the perfect day to enjoy the park and all it has to offer,” Recreation Coordinator Matthew Carr said. “We had 200-plus visitors in the park for this historic event.”
Additionally, New Baltimore’s Parks and Recreation Department and MacDonald Public Library teamed up to host a Solar Eclipse Party at Walter and Mary Burke Park. Activities at the library were followed by stories and other fun at the waterfront park.
The April 8 eclipse tracked from south central Mexico to northern Maine. A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses for the brief period of time when the moon is completely blocking the sun. Those standing in the path of totality had a chance to see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is otherwise usually obscured, according to NASA.
Locally, the partial eclipse began about 2 p.m. and the total eclipse about 3:15 p.m.
The last total solar eclipse in the United States occurred in 2017, and before that, 1979. The next total solar eclipse that will track across the U.S. will occur in 2045.
“We will see everyone again for the total solar eclipse in 2045,” Carr said.
