Eclipse viewing a win in Sunbury, despite clouds

Apr. 8—SUNBURY — Citizens across the Valley viewed the total solar eclipse through the clouds from their backyards and at special viewing events Monday.

Hundreds of onlookers tried to catch a glimpse of the eclipse at libraries in Sunbury and Lewisburg and at Susquehanna University.

More than 50 families gathered to witness the rare event outside the Degenstein Library.

Library Director Melissa Rowse and staff put together a Total Solar Eclipse Party for families, and the turnout was unexpected, she said.

"This is great to see so many people," she said. "We are happy to have everyone."

According to NASA, millions of people across the U.S. were expected to view the total solar eclipse. It will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044.

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun, according to the NASA website.

People viewing the eclipse from locations where the moon's shadow completely covers the sun — known as the path of totality — experienced a total solar eclipse. The sky became dark, as if it were dawn or dusk.

In Sunbury, clouds rolled in and there were drops of rain, causing the more than 100 gatherers to catch small glimpses of the eclipse, but ever-lasting memories were made.

"This is so cool," Carletta Metz, 9, said. "It was so neat to see."

Her mother, Christa Metz, said the library event was great for families.

"There are so many fun, engaging and learning stations here and I think it was a great event," she said.

The library had various stations for children to learn about the eclipse before they were given a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses and a free book for the first 30 families that attended.

"I was looking forward to this," 10-year-old Eric Bellinger, of Shamokin, said. "It is so much fun."

Mia Mendoza, 4, of Sunbury, said she couldn't wait to get outside and put the glasses on.

"I can't wait to see this," she said. "I hope we get to see it all."

The clouds dampened the day somewhat, but when the sun came from behind the clouds, children put their glasses on and enjoyed the few seconds they got to witness history.

"I didn't think I would get to see anything, but once I did, it was just so cool," Carletta Metz said.

In Lewisburg, about 30 people showed up at the Union County Public Library at 2:30 with their special shades to watch the solar eclipse.

Mary Harrison, head of children's services said 500 pairs of glasses had been distributed.

In the morning, "We handed out about 80 pairs in 15 minutes," she said.

Kids, their parents and area residents went outside on the lawn to catch a glimpse of the eclipse, at least for a moment, when clouds parted.

Josef Aronoff and his son Logan, of the Lewisburg area, had taken off from work to pick up glasses that were reserved for them at the library.

About 3:10 p.m. when the eclipse was near its most complete, Josef motioned to the sky and said he had just a fraction of a minute to see the eclipse.

Carson Erlmann, 10, of New Columbia, looked at a computer screen set up in the library connected to a NASA broadcast of the eclipse.

Harrison said that as part of the "agreement" made with the Pa. Dept. of Education to get the special glasses, they were to monitor birds' behavior and report back to the department and NASA.

Hundreds of students, faculty and staff assembled at Susquehanna University, according to the school's public relations manager, Amanda O'Rourke.

Specialty telescopes were positioned throughout the lawn by Jennifer Carter, assistant professor of physics at Susquehanna, according to O'Rourke. A sun spotter — which uses a lens and mirrors to project an image of the sun onto paper was also there, she said.

Some students set up other viewing methods, including use a colander as a pinhole projector and a disco ball to reflect the image.

O'Rourke said viewers were protected in Susquehanna-branded eclipse glasses created by Carter. University radio station WQSU provided an eclipse-themed playlist.