'Mind blown': OKC sees 93.9% solar eclipse totality

Posted: Apr 8, 2024 / 05:59 PM CDT

Updated: Apr 8, 2024 / 05:34 PM CDT

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)– Although the metro wasn’t in the path of full solar eclipse totality, families flocked to Science Museum Oklahoma to watch the eclipse reach 93.9% coverage.

“What’s so spectacular about an eclipse is as the moon passes between us and the sun and that shadow is cast, it starts to get like twilight. It can be a little appealing for nature a little bit. Our nocturnal animals might start showing up. It gets a little quieter. It gets a little darker. When you’re in the path of totality, it’s like a perpetual twilight out,” said Science Museum Oklahoma CEO, Sherry Marshall.

Science Museum Oklahoma turned its front parking lot into an eclipse party with telescopes, arts and crafts, and a DJ.

Oklahoma City Astronomy Club Observing and Outreach Co-Coordinator, Mike “Mitche” Mitchell told KFOR this was his second time seeing a solar eclipse, but this time he came more prepared.

Mitchell brought a variety of new wave telescopes that are controlled through smart phones and IPads.

“It’s an electronic assisted telescope. I call it an all in one electronic assisted telescope,” said Mitchell. “It captures images and it’s designed to work in light polluted environments.”

Additionally, Mitchell brought solar glasses and solar binoculars.

Another solar eclipse gadget making the rounds at Science Museum Oklahoma was a “pinhole indirect viewer.”

10-year-old Edward Miller made one and showed News 4 how to use one.

“You line the silver up with the sun, and the sun shines through this little hole. You can see a small little white dot. That’s the sun. You can see a small crescent on that little dot,” said Miller.

Miller said this is his second solar eclipse as well.

“I’m just mind blown,” he said.

Also at the Science Museum Oklahoma was a family of four from the metro.

“I’m just out here having fun, making memories with the family,” said Stephanie Munkres.

Her son, Bill said he was excited to see everything go dark and was ready for the “weird.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re not going to be able to see your own shadow,” said Bill.

His sister told KFOR she was just ready for her first eclipse ever.

Science Museum Oklahoma recycles solar glasses.

“We’ve sold thousands of eclipse glasses. After the eclipse, don’t forget to be kind to our earth and recycle your eclipse glasses. You can bring them here to the museum,” said Marshall.