Wiregrass residents catch a glance of partial solar eclipse

(WDHN) — Millions of Americans took a few hours out of their day to watch a total solar eclipse take over the sky.

“Jealous of my family, who is in the line of totality, but I am still happy to see what I can see today,” Wiregrass resident, Morgan Schaillee said.

Here in Wiregrass, we were not graced by a total solar eclipse, but we got a partial one that started at 12:30 p.m. on Monday.

“Kind of like a once-in-a-lifetime or couple-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we decided to come out and watch,” Wiregrass resident, Ryan Alexander said.

In the City of Progress, Pea River Historical & Genealogical Society opened the doors to The Little Red Schoolhouse downtown to welcome families and residents for a viewing party. They also offered free eclipse glasses and an educational reading for the children.

“We came down to see the museum and then they told us about you guys getting together for the eclipse,” Wiregrass resident, Vernon Cadwallader said.

Schools across the Wiregrass such as Heard Elementary School and Carver School for Math, Science, and Technology in Dothan took time out of their school day to view the event that students have not seen in their lifetime.

Workplaces gifted their employees a couple of extra minutes away to go outside with their glasses to catch a look. Some people even got to see an eclipse for the first time.

“I’m seeing it,” Cadwallader said. “It’s about a quarter away right now. It’s different than what I am used to.”

While other people caught their second glimpse at an eclipse.

“There was a small one in 2017, but other than that no,” Alexander said.

If you missed the partial solar eclipse you may have to wait a while to see another one. The next total solar eclipse with a coast-to-coast path spanning the country will occur on August 12, 2045.

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