Solar Eclipse Starts New Semester

Charles Stish, assistant editor

Around 2:42 p.m. on Aug. 21, PVCC students and faculty members throughout the campus congregated in various outside locations to witness the solar eclipse. Using camera obscuras and special viewing glasses, the excited audience members took turns viewing the astrological spectacle and gazed at the sky with a shared sense of awe and wonder, creating a notable communal vibrancy amongst the impromptu celestial observers.

Despite many on campus witnessing the eclipse, there was a short period of time when rain clouds loomed overhead and blocked view of the sun at the approximated time the eclipse was to be in full view for the Charlottesville region. Those excited to see the eclipse were briefly disappointed, believing the weather would prohibit their expectations. During this time, many made sarcastic comments. One person said, “It’s so beautiful! I’m blind because of it!”

After a few minutes of doubt, the clouds broke and the sun came back into view and with it the chance to witness the eclipse. They would not have to wait another seven years to see  the next one.

Some instructors took their classes outside to view the event and others gave leave for their students to witness it.

Once they had their fill of sky gazing, the astrological observers went back inside to continue the remainder of the first day of the fall semester.