SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - Nearly 90 percent of the sun was blocked when the solar eclipse reached Delaware. Viewing parties were held in various communities for people to grab glasses and gather to see the rare astronomical event.
Bethany Beach
The South Coastal Library held an eclipse viewing party for the big day. With over 30 people in attendance, people enjoyed books, games and live footage of the eclipse from NASA. When the eclipse was at its peak the party moved outside, where people went to see for themselves. Local Gregory Barnes said that for many, moments like these only come once in a lifetime.
"For many of us, if not a one in a lifetime experience, one in a probably two decades experience anyway." Barnes said.
Laurel
The Laurel Public Library held an eclipse viewing party in Market Street Park from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Monday. The library had glasses on hand to distribute to people who came out to celebrate the celestial event in western Sussex County.
Courtesy: Laurel Public Library.
Delaware Seashore State Park
More than 30 people met up by Tower 3 in the Delaware Seashore State Park where pinhole projectors were provided for people to safely see the eclipse through a protective lens. Park staff explained how to use the gear. Some people brought their own glasses.
It was an event for all ages. There were kids present and the CHEER Center brought seniors out on an eclipse excursion. When the eclipse got close to reaching its peak everyone kicked back to relax and see the stellar show. CoastTV spoke with two people at this watch party who also saw the eclipse in 2017.
"Because it doesn't happen often, I hope that everyone that can is taking advantage of the experience and being able to actually see it occur because it's going to be a long time before we see it again," said Gary Alexander of Rehoboth Beach.
"What was cooler was you could just use this box which was amazing," said Maria Wolf of Ocean View. "They have them here at the park service so it worked out really well. I couldn't find any glasses."
The next total solar eclipse for the world will be in 2026, but it won't be visible in the U.S. We won't get the chance to see another one on Delmarva for at least 20 years.
