The total solar eclipse peaked Monday afternoon and students gathered between 2-4 p.m. at Paw Print Park on South Green for the Eclipse Watch Party, hosted by the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership, or CSEL, to view the rare event.
According to a university news release, the eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light and casting a shadow on Earth.
The totality in Athens was 97%, but in cities like Cleveland and Toledo, the totality was 100%.
To safely watch the solar eclipse the university ordered about 3,000 solar eclipse glasses, which CSEL handed out. At the event, CSEL handed out sun and moon themed snacks, OHIO eclipse sticks for the first 500 people and more solar eclipse glasses. A DJ also accompanied the event.
The eclipse was at its peak at 3:15 p.m., and students cheered as the sky dimmed in light.
Before the peak, students laid on blankets and set up hammocks in the park. Liv Gibbs, a freshman studying psychology, set her hammock up to watch the eclipse.
“Since we saw the (eclipse) in 2017 it was fine,” Gibbs said. “I'm excited to actually be able to remember (the solar eclipse).”
Makenna Jones, a junior majoring in information and telecommunications systems, said she missed the eclipse in 2017 and was excited to experience it.
“It’s pretty fun, I didn't expect this many people to be here,” Jones said.
Jones said she had just come from a class and her class after was canceled for the solar eclipse.
Elizabeth Sayrs, executive vice president and provost, and Faculty Senate Chair Sarah Wyatt wrote in an email to faculty and staff for professors and instructors to be flexible and understanding of students who miss class to view the solar eclipse. The email encouraged colleagues to consider excused absences or alternative assignments so students would not miss the celestial event due to classes.
Professor of Instruction in Ohio Program of Intensive English and Technology Coordinator, Aaron Schwartz, brought his students from Chubu University on a field trip to Paw Print Park.
“We decided that we would have a little field trip down here today to experience not only the eclipse but also kind of the cultural event of everybody getting together to experience the eclipse together,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz said he’s seen an eclipse in 100% totality and it was an amazing experience. Even with a 97% totality, he said, viewing the eclipse is a wonderful experience.
