The 2017 total solar eclipse was arguably one of the coolest things to sweep the nation this summer as the sun dipped behind the moon in a way that it had not since 1918. In our humble opinion, though, the huge crowds of people who gathered to celebrate the occasion were every bit as impressive as the eclipse itself. From homemade viewing contraptions to huge parks bulging with people and even some pets sporting protective eye gear, here are some of our favorite eclipse moments around the U.S.
On the path of totality in Festus, MO. Photo: Jonah MeadowsSolar eclipse viewing party from the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Photo: Joe VinceCity-hosted eclipse party in Woodstock, GA. Photo: Kristal DixonImpressive artistry on display in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Photo: Kathleen CullitonHundreds of Brooklynites gathered outside the Brooklyn Public Library to watch the solar eclipse. Photo: Kathleen CullitonA crowd gathered at San Diego Central Library for an eclipse viewing event. Photo: Kristina HouckAdam and Bianca Cirne came prepared for any eventuality at Pace University in Pleasantville, NY. Photo: Lanning ToliaferroPhiladelphians crowded the Art Museum steps Monday to see the 2017 Solar Eclipse. Sorry Rocky! Photo: Max BennettStudents at Brookwood Forest Elementary School in Mountain Brook, AL, watch the eclipse: Photo: Michael SealeDuring Seattle's 92-percent eclipse Monday, the Pacific Tower's lights came on. Photo: Neal McNamaraA welder takes the day off at Lakewood Park in Lakewood, Ohio. Photo: Rick UldricksThe sky starts to darken in St. Paul, MN. Photo: William BornhoftPatch's own Warren St. John taking in the eclipse outside Patch headquarters in NYC. Photo: Liz LashwayA fantastic costume outside the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Photo: Joe VinceA police officer stops to watch the eclipse in New York City's Upper West Side. Photo: Todd RichissinWatching the solar eclipse with the Pentagon and Washington Monument in the background. Photo: Dan HamptonThe clouds provide a good filter of the solar eclipse. Photo: Dan HamptonA pair of besties in Beaumont, CA. Photo: Renee SchiavoneMac and cheese boxes make for great eclipse viewers. Photo: Renee SchiavoneAt the Planetarium event at Ocean County College in Toms River, NJ. Photo: Karen Wall"Quit hounding me, I'm watching the eclipse." Photo: Eric KieferLooking to the sky at the Frost Science Museum in Miami, FL. Photo: Paul ScicchitanoPossibly the most comfortable way to enjoy the solar eclipse. Photo: Katherine KauschExcitement was clearly building at the Custer Observatory in Southold, NY. Photo: Lisa FinnOnlookers view the solar eclipse projected through a camera onto a white board Monday in Market Square in Portsmouth, NH. Photo: Jason ClaffeyA group of girl scouts watching the sun from the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY. Photo: Alexander Costello Hilltop viewing from Prospect Hill Park in Somerville, MA. Photo: Alexander NewmanIn Greenville, NC, even statues get eye protection. Photo: Bonna TekThe Chicago skyline makes for a great solar eclipse backdrop. Photo: Joe VinceGuests of all ages gathered at Stepping Stones Museum for Children to view the eclipse and enjoy fun activities. Photo: RJ ScofieldCapturing some eclipse footage at Los Angeles Airport. Photo: Paige AustinBeach viewers at the 63rd St. Beach in Chicago. Photo: Tim MoranCrowds gather just before the moment of totality in Oregon. Photo: Travis LooseCrowds were filled with wonder and awe atop the parking garage at Milpitas Public Library in Milpitas, California. Photo: Bea Karnes
The sky darkens over Greenville, NC during the moment of totality (video by Bonna Tek):
Have great solar eclipse photos of your own? Send them to submissions@patch.com with your name, location and a brief caption!
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Find out what's happening in Across Americafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
