There goes the sun: Community abuzz over rare celestial event
Quinn Messersmith, 6, of Jersey Shore, runs on the playground while wearing an eclipse t-shirt ,at the solar event and picnic hosted by the James V. Brown Library at Memorial Park on Monday. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
The solar eclipse reaches totality in Erie on Monday afternoon, April 8, 2024. RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
When nearing totality, the sunlight still peaking out behind the moon shines in what is called a diamond ring effect. RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
With clouds obscurring much of the celestial phenomenon, darkness settled around the area mid-afternoon during the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.
The solar eclipse in Erie on Monday. RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
The solar eclipse in near Hughesville on Monday. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
A group traveled from Clinton County to Erie to view the total solar eclipse Monday afternoon. Though skies were cloudy on the way there, the travelers were treated to clear skies in time for the event.
Hundreds of people fill Memorial Park on Monday during the solar program and picnic hosted by the James V. Brown Library. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Melissa Schuler, left, watches as her daughter Grace, 4, center, makes a solar eclipse art project with help from St. John Neumann Regional Academy student Sophia Reid, right, at the solar event and picnic hosted by the James V. Brown Library at Memorial Park on Monday. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Quinn Messersmith, 6, of Jersey Shore, runs on the playground while wearing an eclipse t-shirt ,at the solar event and picnic hosted by the James V. Brown Library at Memorial Park on Monday. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
The solar eclipse reaches totality in Erie on Monday afternoon, April 8, 2024. RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
When nearing totality, the sunlight still peaking out behind the moon shines in what is called a diamond ring effect. RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
With clouds obscurring much of the celestial phenomenon, darkness settled around the area mid-afternoon during the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.
The solar eclipse in Erie on Monday. RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
The solar eclipse in near Hughesville on Monday. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
A group traveled from Clinton County to Erie to view the total solar eclipse Monday afternoon. Though skies were cloudy on the way there, the travelers were treated to clear skies in time for the event.
Hundreds of people fill Memorial Park on Monday during the solar program and picnic hosted by the James V. Brown Library. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Melissa Schuler, left, watches as her daughter Grace, 4, center, makes a solar eclipse art project with help from St. John Neumann Regional Academy student Sophia Reid, right, at the solar event and picnic hosted by the James V. Brown Library at Memorial Park on Monday. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
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Hundreds of sky-gazers of all ages gathered at Williamsport's Memorial Park on Monday afternoon to experience a rare total solar eclipse and take part in a picnic and program sponsored by the James V. Brown Library.
"We even have a playlist for the eclipse," said Megan Messersmith, who brought her children and lauded the library for its educational outreach and programs.
"We love James V. Brown Library," she said, adding, "we support them anyway we can."
She took her children out of school for the day to experience the rare celestial event, she said.
Messersmith remarked how she was in the military in 2017 when the last solar eclipse was observed during the Little League World Series.
"When we first came here, we had some breaks and saw the moon," she said of the overcast sky that included a few raindrops before the clouds separated enough at just the right time.
"It's about the kids," she said. "I could sit at home, go to work -- but we wanted to have the kids to have this experience. They will look back on this and, in 20 years say, 'We went through it and got to see it.'"
Tally Waugh was thrilled and brought her children, Thomas, 18; John, 13, and Izabella, 12, who are homeschooled. She said they did some research online and looked at books about astronomy. The library's educational programs are a plus for families in Greater Williamsport, she said.
Students in the library's "Bubble, Fixx, POP!" program displayed their science projects about the sky.
Area students had an interactive science exploration and hands-on experiments and interaction with Lycoming College's astronomy department, according to Nicole Rader, the library's program and youth services director. She also credited the whole library staff including the brainchild for the event, Jacquie Weaver.
Emphasis was on promoting safe viewing using the special eyeglasses handed out.
"Over 500 pairs of glasses were given out," Rader said.
River Valley Transit Authority provided free bus rides to picnic-goers.
Fried chicken and other picnic foods were served.
Not only did those gathered see the eclipse but they explored other astronomical interests.
The library's Books Bus was on location for guests to check out books and register for a library card with photo ID.
The activity drew interest from across the city, with some community members seen sitting on roofs to watch as the city grew dark and the temperature dropped by 20 degrees.