Del Mar College Celebrates the Marvel of a Total Solar Eclipse with a Community Watch Party
In a remarkable display of cosmic coincidence and natural wonder, Del Mar College hosted an unforgettable watch party for the total solar eclipse, inviting the community to join in on the celestial celebration. The event, aptly dubbed a ‘solarbration,’ transformed the campus into a gathering spot for eager spectators, all of whom were keen to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the sun and the moon aligning.
The Anticipation Builds
As the day of the eclipse approached, excitement buzzed through the air, with people of all ages converging on Del Mar’s Heritage Campus. Elizabeth Franco, a student at the college, encapsulated the collective anticipation perfectly, saying, “It’s so exciting. I can’t wait to see the sun and the moon kiss.” Many eagerly awaiting the dramatic celestial spectacle echoed this sentiment.
Solar eclipses, a rare and breathtaking natural phenomenon, occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align in a perfect celestial ballet. The moon, acting as a cosmic veil, passes between the Earth and the sun, temporarily obscuring the sun’s light and casting a shadow over the Earth. A total solar eclipse, which is even more uncommon, happens when the moon completely covers the sun, while a partial eclipse sees only a portion of the sun’s face obscured.
A Spectacle from Texas to Maine
This particular eclipse darkened skies across a swath of the United States, from Texas to Maine, lasting for one hour and eight minutes and touching nearly 15 states. Though the spectators at Del Mar College were not in the path of totality, the experience was nonetheless mesmerizing. Xander Tipton, another student, expressed his excitement, “I’m here for the ride and to enjoy the experience. How many times can you witness something like this? When I finally have kids, I hope I can take them to see the next one.”
A Watch Party to Remember
Del Mar College went above and beyond to make the event memorable, providing eclipse sunglasses for safe viewing, playing thematic music, and offering eclipse-themed snacks such as Starbursts, Milky Ways, Cosmic Brownies, Capri Suns, and Sunkist soda. Despite the cloudy skies obscuring the full spectacle of the eclipse, attendees got to see the sight of a crescent sun, a view many were seeing for the first time.
“The last one we had was seven years ago, and we just wanted to be a part of something that you don’t see very often,” remarked student Erica Ortega, highlighting the rarity of such events. Faculty member Linda Webb also shared her fascination, noting the unique beauty of seeing the crescent sun and its passage.
Looking to the Future
For those who missed this celestial event, hope is not lost. The next total solar eclipse is not expected until 2044, offering another opportunity to witness this magnificent occurrence. Del Mar College’s solarbration not only provided a platform for community engagement and education but also reminded attendees of the wonders of the universe that often go unnoticed. As the community reflects on this shared experience, the anticipation for future celestial events continues to grow, promising more opportunities for wonder and discovery.