Dozens of islanders gathered at Sunrise Ridge on Monday morning for an impromptu viewing party to watch the moon make its way in front of the sun during the country’s first eclipse since 1979.
While news has focused on Oregon, which is in the path of totality, and the crowds descending there for the event, the Seattle area experienced a 92 percent eclipse and by 10:20 a.m. Monday, the sun was a small crescent in the sky. On Vashon, spectators of all ages gazed through special eclipse glasses with darkened lenses or held up homemade cereal box projectors to watch the phenomenon. Crickets started chirping and birds became quiet as the temperature dropped and music played. Then, just as the sun began to disappear, it gradually came back and The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” started playing on island music junkie Leila Khatapoush’s well-timed playlist.
A group of women relaxes at Sunrise Ridges as the moon makes its way in front of the sun Monday morning. The eclipse was the country’s first since 1979. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)
A trio wearing eclipse glasses marvels at Monday’s partial eclipse from Vashon’s Sunrise Ridge. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)
At the height of obscuration on Monday the sun became a small crescent in the sky. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)
Temperatures dropped slightly on Monday as the moon obscured 92 percent of the sun and islanders took to Sunrise Ridge and other places on the island to view the spectacle. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)
While some donned eclipse glasses, others transformed cardboard cereal boxes into pinhole viewers to view the eclipse safely. (Anneli Fogt/Staff Photo)
A group of women smiles and laughs as the eclipse occurs Monday morning. (Kent Phelan Photo)
Two women enjoy a picnic with their dog at Vashon’s Sunrise Ridge during Monday’s solar eclipse. (Kent Phelan Photo)
