Take a break from day-to-day troubles and remind yourself how amazing the universe is.
That’s what Steve Snyder suggested. He’s the CEO of the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park.
And judging from the large crowd Monday morning at the center, that’s just what people did.
San Diegans weren’t plunged into total darkness, but around a 55%-60% partial eclipse seemed to suit the hundreds gathered just fine.
“So it’ll still be a spectacular thing to see,” Snyder said. “We should see some change in the quality of the light. We’ll see some change in the shadows cast in the ground.
He said the moment — with peak partial at 11:11 a.m. — reminded one of our place in the universe.
“I think that’s what’s so exciting about this,” he said.
A multigenerational crowd stood in line to get sun-safe glasses and then gathered around the Bea Evenson Fountain, waiting for the celestial show.
During the morning, scattered clouds passed in front of the sun, but mostly the sun shined bright.
Amateur and professional astronomers allowed visitors a glimpse of the sun through their solar telescopes. Fleet Center volunteers did solar system demonstrations while others, in the IMAX theater, watched a live feed from NASA tracking the path of totality.
Paper pinhole viewers were made. Even holes in a Ritz cracker served as a solar projector.
While many parents came with young children to the park, one visitor brought her late father’s spirit.
“My father was very interested in solar eclipses and stars in the universe,” said Becky Williams of San Diego, “and I have his eclipse glasses that were from years ago.” She brought his cane as well.
“So I have my dad here with me,” said Williams, 66, a Fleet Center member, and recalled the good times they shared there.
“Great crowd,” Williams said. “I’m so happy, and everybody’s so polite and nice. It’s a good, good time.”