Indiana County Residents got to see a once-in-a-lifetime natural event as the Solar Eclipse made its way across Indiana.
Music, crafts and a lot of sky-gazing this afternoon at the YMCA as people got the chance to watch the solar eclipse. Kate Geiger, the director of the Indiana Free Library, talked about how important this outreach event was, citing the connection to STEM education, and having a big crowd gather together to learn about the solar eclipse. The library also had on hand 800 glasses for those who signed up in advance.
(L to R: Alexis Wilson, an IUP Sophomore, and Emily Himes, an IUP Freshman, view the eclipse through special eclipse glasses. Photo by Josh Widdowson)
While many came to collect their glasses and left, many more stayed at the Y’s ballfields for various activities, but many had their glasses ready, and some, like Ray Winstead, had a different method to watch the eclipse, using his binoculars and a piece of cardboard to view the eclipse with his back to the sun so he would not need to stare into the sun and damage his eyes.
(Ray Winstead demonstrates his binoculars and cardboard method. Photo by Josh Widdowson)
While others took part in the arts and crafts in the pavillion.
(Jacob Reiter, an 8-year-old attending East Pike, and his 6-year-old sister Addison working on Sundials at the YMCA. Photo by Josh Widdowson)
While Indiana was not in a “Total Eclipse” zone, many got the chance to see a rare nature event. The next time this could happen will be April 8, 2024.
