Solar Eclipse on Rocky Mountain in Inlet. /Photo courtesy of Breannan O’Hara.

On Monday afternoon, students came together outside of Strebel Student Center to witness the solar eclipse. More than 100 students gathered and many said the experience was worth the wait.

The SLCE office prepared students and staff for the eclipse by giving out 500 pairs of eclipse glasses and “eclipse moon” cookies from Holland Farms.

Freshman Claire Bruley said she was excited but a bit nervous because she was afraid of something happening to her eyes since she would be looking directly at the sun, even though she had the proper eyewear. 

“It was really cool,” Bruley said. “It was like nothing I’d seen before and I wish I could have seen it longer.”

Once the moon had almost completely covered the sun and darkness set in, there was a bit of an applause from the crowd with some “oohs and ahhs” in amazement. 

Sophomore Katie Rockhill was surprised by the clapping and said the “applause was a bit weird,” but enjoyed watching the eclipse. 

Junior Lauryn Munson said the celestial event was a positive shared experience during a time when there are few shared experiences.

“I’m glad (students) honored it,” Munson said. “It’s good to bring people together.”

Animal behavior major and Tangerine editor Breannan O’Hara went to Rocky Mountain in Inlet to witness the eclipse. Following is her account of the event:

I arrived at the peak at 1 p.m. and there was already a crowd of people waiting for the eclipse. The crowd was filled with good energy as people relaxed in lawn chairs and waited looking into their telescopes. The hours leading up to the eclipse, more people trickled in and soon the rock on the peak was not to be seen. People traveled from Connecticut and Massachusetts to see the eclipse from the vantage point and some locals were present as well. As the moon covered the sun, everyone cheered and clapped. It was an amazing experience to share together.