On the crisp morning of  April 8th, in Schenectady, New York, the campus of Union College buzzed with anticipation as students and faculty prepared to witness a rare celestial event: a complete solar eclipse. Well, 97% totality, anyway. As the moon began its gradual transit across the face of the sun, individuals spilled out onto the lawns, equipped with eclipse glasses and cameras, eager to capture the historic moment.

Gathered in small groups, students and faculty congregated on campus lawns with picnic blankets, their attention focused upwards towards the sky. Conversations ranged from the technical details of the eclipse to the logistics of obtaining eclipse glasses. Despite the early hour, excitement permeated the air as the eclipse progressed.

As the moon’s shadow slowly obscured the sun, daylight dimmed, the wind blew faster, colder, and the world grew cloudy. Observers noted the changing quality of light, as shadows sharpened and colors took on a muted hue. Some students remarked on the surreal nature of the experience, while others focused on capturing the event through photography and videography.

Throughout the duration of the eclipse, a sense of camaraderie pervaded the campus. Strangers exchanged eclipse glasses, shared viewing tips, and discussed their observations of the phenomenon. As the eclipse reached its peak, with the moon almost completely obscuring the sun, a collective sense of awe washed over the assembled crowd. Gasps of wonder erupted as the sun’s corona became visible. Observers marveled at the sight, some snapping photos, while others simply stood in silent reverence.

After several minutes of near-totality, the moon began to move away from the sun, gradually restoring daylight to the campus. As the eclipse waned, students and faculty lingered on the lawns, reflecting on the experience and sharing their impressions with one another. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness such a rare event firsthand.

As the day progressed and normalcy returned to the campus, the memory of the solar eclipse remained a topic of conversation among students and faculty. For many, it was a moment of scientific curiosity and wonder, a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the universe. And while the eclipse may have lasted only a few brief hours, its impact on the community of Union College in Schenectady, NY, will be remembered for years to come.