TUCSON, Ariz. — Thousands of eager spectators gathered at the University of Arizona to witness a rare celestial event as a solar eclipse swept across the country, offering southern Arizona a stunning 75% coverage of the sun during its peak.

Unprecedented Excitement Grips Campus

The anticipation leading up to the event was palpable, with upwards of 5,000 people pouring out to witness the spectacle. Liam Visser, one of the viewers, expressed the sentiment shared by many: It is just fun to see, it’s a big event. It feels like we’re supposed to be here.

Rare Celestial Phenomenon Occurs Twice in a Century

The solar eclipse event on Monday was a rarity, occurring only twice in the United States this century, with the previous instance taking place in 2017. Lucas Snyder, a planetarium specialist at the Flandrau Planetarium, remarked, It makes me happy to see people get excited about the things I’m excited about all the time.

Thin Clouds Fail to Dampen Spirits

Despite concerns about cloud cover in southern Arizona, the majority of clouds were thin and did not obstruct the viewing experience. Nick Letson, the coordinating director of the planetarium, described the weather as beautiful, adding, Just a great day to view what we can here in Tucson.

A Moment of Awe and Humility

While millions across the country witnessed a total solar eclipse, the 75 percent coverage in Tucson still captivated viewers. Spectators equipped themselves with telescopes, cameras, lawn chairs, and glasses to soak in the rare event. Naser Alfailakawi reflected, It’s really cool. It’s really humbling in a way too, you know what I mean.

Looking Ahead to Future Eclipses

With the next total solar eclipse in the United States not expected until 2044, some spectators are already making plans for the future. Adin Fritzler, who witnessed the 2017 eclipse, shared his intentions: Knowing my experience from seeing it in 2017, I know next time I’m definitely going to take a little visit down to somewhere, wherever it is, and go see it.

About the Author

Frank John is a reporter for The Local News App, covering a range of topics from science to local events. You can reach Frank with your story ideas by emailing [email protected] or by downloading The Local News App and connecting through the platform.

Source