What happens when the world mysteriously goes into darkness for about ten minutes and people see a dark circle blacking out the sun? That is what people across the United States got the answer to on Monday, April 8.
The U.S. got a unique experience by witnessing the astronomical phenomenon known as the solar eclipse. A solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, obscuring the sun’s view. New Jersey wasn’t in the range of totality, however, but the state did get to experience an eclipse that covered 90% of the sun.
During the direct time of the eclipse, students gathered at Robinson Circle to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event. The Ric and Jean Edelman Planetarium passed out special glasses to watch the eclipse. The turnout for the event was packed with the entire green of Robinson Circle filled to the brim with students waiting for this event to take place.
According to CBS, over 89% of people around the world have heard of a solar eclipse, but over 30 million people get to witness the eclipse this year.
Vincent Giasullo, a junior political science major, recalls his first time witnessing the phenomenon back in 2017.
“The last time this happened was in 2017, it was awesome,” Giasullo said. “I love how the moon completely covers the sun. This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some people.”
Lawrence Cappelli, a senior graphics design major at Rowan University is one of the many people who hasn’t seen a solar eclipse before the one on April 8.
“This is actually my first one,” Cappelli said. “I’m really excited to see it and the fact that my friend groups are here in one spot and we’re all collectively together and watching it is a really cool event.”
The Planetarium also welcomed people from the Glassboro area to witness the eclipse. Parents brought their children as the planetarium set up telescopes, displays, and games for the kids to learn about the eclipse. Robinson Circle wasn’t the only place on campus that was crowded with anticipating students. Over at Wilson Hall, the whole green area was packed with excited students.
Students got to spend time with their friends and witness an amazing experience before the eclipse got eclipsed by the overcast. Everyone spent the event spending time together, laughing, dancing, and singing along to the space-themed music being played. This generation of students witnessed an event that not many people get to see, with the next eclipse in the United States not happening until 2045.
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