Hundreds of spectators gathered at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event: the solar eclipse. The museum hosted a solar eclipse viewing party with activities, telescopes, and sunspotters, providing an excellent opportunity to educate children about science in a visual way.
One child exclaimed, “We came to see the solar eclipse!” as they eagerly awaited the event. Even the youngest participants were already well-versed in the basics of the eclipse. One child explained that “Eclipse is when the moon hits the sun in the middle!” Another added, “The moon passes over the sun.” Jaden McGahey, an 11-year-old participant, emphasized that it’s important not to look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse and reminded everyone of this rule.
As the solar eclipse began, excited eyes turned upwards towards the sky. Some viewers used telescopes to get a closer look at the event. Marlyn Guzman’s mother mentioned that she had bought her son one for Christmas because he loved everything about space so much. The solar eclipse peaked in Denver at 12:40 p.m., with 65% totality, creating an eerie atmosphere and casting shadows on the ground. Lain Britt shared her excitement by saying, “Looking at leaves and shadows while seeing crescent shapes appear!”
The crescent-shaped image left a lasting impression on young attendees in Colorado who got to experience their first solar eclipse. Guzman beamed with pride as he exclaimed, “I saw it! I saw it!” For those who missed out on this rare event, there’s another chance to witness it again in 2044 when another total solar eclipse will occur across North America.
