By Joanna Reid
Hundreds of people all over campus viewed the total (partial from New York) solar eclipse that made its way through much of North America on Monday, April 8. The Swirbul Library held a viewing event in front of the library from 2:30 to 4 pm, offering the special glasses needed to safely view the eclipse as available; however many brought their own.
Both students and staff could be seen staring up at the sky as the sun hid behind the moon, making the moon look smaller and smaller and the sky darker. Staff from the Science Department also brought a telescope for whomever wanted to get a closer look. And even Paws, the school mascot, made an appearance at the event.
People joined their friends on the quad and some classes sat outside together to watch the eclipse. First-year student Benjamin Calabrese explained that since the eclipse took place during his class that his professor opted to have class outside instead and viewing the eclipse substituted as his class for the day. Others were just happy that class was canceled on such a momentous occasion, as the next total solar eclipse that will be viewable from the United States won’t take place until 2044. As for those who still had to attend class, some were given a break just to observe the eclipse.
Junior Meg Weissman, a film and acting major, expressed that they were excited to see the eclipse and that they were fascinated by it. They were especially excited because it was their first time ever experiencing an eclipse, “...I’ve never seen it before… I would want to see it again someday in the next few years… I’m going to be 44 [by the time the next eclipse occurs] then.”
Psychology major Alanna Holmes, also a junior, said, “...the eclipse was a rare astronomical occurrence that was cool to see. It was also nice to see just how many people came out to see it.”
Some Adelphi students watched the eclipse elsewhere. Hussein Ali Rifath, a sophomore, was at Nassau Community College when the eclipse was at its totality. “About 100 students gathered at a field outside and stared up at the sky wearing their eclipse glasses. As we all know, this was a once-in a lifetime event. Seeing everyone all sitting together, talking, and looking up with an innocent look of wonder was a very moving sight. I’m glad to have experienced this,” he remarked.
Thanks to the eclipse, people all throughout the Adelphi community were brought together.