We’ve been on the go almost every single day, and hands down, it’s definitely been one of the best summers ever. Curfews and bedtimes are out the window and needless to say, I’ve seldom had a second to myself. I barely even have time to watch the news, but a few weeks ago I was flicking through the channels, and learned about the upcoming solar eclipse. The newscasters mentioned the need for special glasses to view safely, so I literally started ordering online as the news segment was still running. I’m usually late to the party on these things but I was pleasantly surprised with myself, when they arrived. And, I was sure to purchase NASA approved glasses and chose ones from American Paper Optics.
Since the last solar eclipse in NYC took place just before I was born, I was definitely more psyched than Jason and the kids for this. With the kids at this young age, I knew it would be a memorable experience. They thought the sunglasses were cool, and I showed them some youtube videos to help describe what happens during an eclipse.
While I was thinking of the perfect place to watch the eclipse, I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation from Google for a viewing event at the park on 14th Street and the West Side Highway. They closed the entire park to the public, and attendees were offered eclipse glasses, food, cocktails, and a special charcoal Oreo ice cream flavor, created especially for that day.
We invited our good friends to join us, so once inside the park, we set up blankets picnic style. As the kids looked up, I finally saw the excitement in all of their eyes. From the crowds in the streets and the random people standing everywhere starring straight up into the sky, they knew it was something special to remember. New York City was only eclipsed 70%, but it was still incredible to witness.
I saw this quote online from “unknown” and have to share. “I like to think of the sun and moon as lovers who rarely meet, always chase and almost always miss each other. But once in while, they do catch up, and they kiss and the world stares in awe of their eclipse!” The next eclipse is scheduled for April 8th, 2024. I cannot wait!
What are your eclipse stories from this past Monday?
7 thoughts on “Solar Eclipse 2017”
We signed up for an event at the library and ended up just staying home and watching it from our deck. It was very cool.
We had such a great time watching the eclipse. We made sure we had our glasses and snacks and everything all set up for the whole thing.
I think watching eclipses are really interesting. It’s just a part of time that is so rarely viewed that it is something that everybody should get the chance to do if they can.
It was amazing wasn’t it? We used the classes too with our homeschool group. When we got home we used a cereal box view and saw the shadow.
I didn’t really get to see much of it. Unfortunately it was very cloudy where I was. I was lucky enough to get to see a little bit though.
We went to the Space Center to watch the eclipse. They had loaner glasses to share for watching, since the supply everywhere else in the city was sold out. It’s definitely one of those events you want to be able to say you were there for.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have any glasses to watch the eclipse. It was only 60% coverage here. I will be prepared for 2024 though.