Community gathers at WTC to witness eclipse

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  • Western Texas College professors Dana Fahntrapp (left) and Floyd Holder viewed the solar eclipse on campus Monday afternoon. At the peak viewing time in the region, the moon appeared to cover about 80 percent of the sun’s surface just before 1 p.m.
    Western Texas College professors Dana Fahntrapp (left) and Floyd Holder viewed the solar eclipse on campus Monday afternoon. At the peak viewing time in the region, the moon appeared to cover about 80 percent of the sun’s surface just before 1 p.m.
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Nature is full of phenomena that attract interest. One such phenomenon was Monday’s Great American Eclipse.

“It’s called the ‘Great American Eclipse’ because it’s across North America,” Western Texas College (WTC) instructor Dana Fahntrapp said. “Basically, what’s happening is the moon is coming between the earth and the sun. If you were in the middle of the country, you would be in the shadow. Our location will see 80 percent eclipse.”

More than 20 people gathered on the WTC campus Monday to watch the eclipse. Both a telescope and safety goggles were provided for safety.

“It’s honestly too cool for words,” eclipse viewer Judy Petersen said. “I’m glad to be able to view it because I may not be around for the next one.”

Although total solar eclipses happen once every one or two years, they are rarely seen. Because 71 percent of the earth’s surface is covered in water — not to mention  vast, unpopulated areas of land — solar eclipses rarely occur over populated areas, making Monday’s eclipse one for the history books.

The last total solar eclipse viewable in the United States occurred in 1979, but the last one that was visible from coast to coast was in 1918, making Monday’s eclipse the first of its kind in 99 years. 

“I think it’s very fascinating, and it’s cool that they brought their equipment our here for us to enjoy it,” WTC student Jauslyn Shepherd said. 

Many of the viewers described the eclipse as looking like Ms. Pac-Man or Cookie Monster. 

“I thought it was a really exquisite thing to experience in my 19 years of life,” WTC student Reece Quigley said.