April 9, 2024
And the best things in Life are Free.
14:40
As if a rare 4.8 magnitude Earthquake last week wasn’t enough to astonish New Yorkers, the Moon yesterday partially blocked the Sun for millions of more Americans. Here in Upper Manhattan, hundreds of people came out to witness this latest Wonder of Nature, a Solar Eclipse. They gathered on the Inwood Park Soccer Field, on the Peninsula, and on the baseball fields to look up in wonder as the Moon’s shadow crept across North America.
14:41
14:44
Those who’d planned ahead brought special Eclipse glasses they’d picked up at the Library. Others shared and took turns to peek up at the spectacle from time to time. The Urban Rangers set up a telescope and an information table, and they fielded questions about the Eclipse from the public. Mostly though, people gathered in small groups and chatted among themselves or spread out a blanket and relaxed on the grass. The vibe was tranquil, and even a fairly huge group of school kids was pretty subdued.
15:07
When the Partial Solar Eclipse in NYC peaked around 3:30, the Soccer Field darkened somewhat and the temperature dropped noticeably. Anyone expecting a Darkness at Noon sort of thing was probably let down: it just got a bit darker like it might have done on an ordinary overcast day. Oddly though, the shadows remained distinct despite the dimming effect of the partial Eclipse. It demonstrated that even with 90% of the Sun blocked, there is still enough light to see everything and to cast strong shadows.
15:23
The next Total Eclipse for the USA is already scheduled: August 23, 2044. There will be others before then, of course, but you’ll have to travel to see them.
Here’s the Gazette’s coverage of the August 21, 2017 Eclipse.
