Eclipse Watchers Turn Out In Huge Numbers at Local Watch Parties

August 21, 2017 8:01 pm

By: Tim Studebaker

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NORTH SCITUATE, R.I. – It was a long awaited event: the first coast to coast solar eclipse in 99 years. It was quite the party at Seagrave Observatory in North Scituate with several hundred people showing up, many of those folks seeing a solar eclipse for the very first time.

Ellen Booth from Coventry says, “I’m expecting somewhat of a spiritual experience here, you know? I think it’s magical. So, I’m really looking forward to it, to experiencing it.”

Spencer DiGiulio from Glocester says, “I brought my phone to maybe take a picture through the lens. I don’t know if it will work. But, I’m pretty excited.”

To make sure everyone had a good view, organizers had eclipse glasses at the ready, as well as telescopes with special filters.

Jeffrey Padell is an Observatory Trustee and says, “I have one that’s what’s called hydrogen–alpha. Most solar telescopes, you can see sunspots on the sun, and that’s basically it. HA, hydrogen–alpha, you can not only see sunspots, but the surface of the sun around it, and flares and prominences off the side of the sun.”

Although we weren’t in the path of totality, today’s partial eclipse didn’t disappoint.

Booth says, “It actually looked like when the eclipse was actually at its peak, and even when it was just starting, the sun actually took on a crescent moon shape, which was very cool, you know? I kind of liken it to the moon kissing the sun, which is kind of a spiritual thing for me.”

Sage Small from Johnston says, “It was cool looking at the moon going over the sun because it just disappeared.”

DiGiulio says, “Well, it kept on getting bigger and bigger and it was really cool because it like… Well my mom saw a picture and it was a different color because it was closer up, but it was a really cool sight.”

Some people are already thinking about chasing the next eclipse.

Tyler Berard from Warwick says, “I think I am. I think I’m going to go to one of the states that has the path of totality.”

If you missed today’s eclipse, the next solar eclipse visible from the US happens in just 7 years. The path of totality for that one passes through parts of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.