NEWS

Many pick Rocky Point to view solar show

By ADAM ZANGARI
Posted 4/11/24

Rocky Point drew a crowd of about 400 Monday afternoon for a rare solar show.

With the eclipse reaching 92% totality at 3:29 p.m., Warwick was closer to seeing a total solar eclipse than …

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NEWS

Many pick Rocky Point to view solar show

Posted

Rocky Point drew a crowd of about 400 Monday afternoon for a rare solar show.

With the eclipse reaching 92% totality at 3:29 p.m., Warwick was closer to seeing a total solar eclipse than it’s been since 1925 - when the city found itself in the path of totality. As the sky darkened, Rocky Point visitors felt a noticeable drop in temperature and had a clear view of the eclipse using specially-approved glasses.

For many, staying close to home was a better option than the three-plus hour drive to northern New England to reach the path of totality.

No official plans were made by any organizations for an eclipse-viewing party at Rocky Point. Those that came, though, said they couldn’t think of any better place in the city to see the event.

“I’ve been to Rocky Point practically all of my adult life,” Madeline Mello said. “I love it over here.”

Madeline is 86 years old, adding this would be the last eclipse she would ever get to see. Getting to see it in a place that means so much to her alongside her daughter Sue, she said, was what made the experience special for her.

“Us getting to do this together, we decided that this was important,” Sue Mello said. “When I can get her here - it just brings back memories.”

Some came ready to watch the show with lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Jonathan Villada and Jose Quevedo, who were unable to get eclipse glasses prior to the event, brought a colander with them so they could see the reflection of a partially blotted sun through it.

While waiting to see more of the moon cover the sun, spectators kept themselves entertained flying kites, playing catch, or kicking soccer balls. Freelance photographers Thomas Gaines and Beth Magliette brought a drone, to capture both crowd shots and shots of the eclipse at 92% totality.

“It’s really a moment in history, and we’ve got the equipment,” Gaines said. “We’re just super excited, and now we’re just hoping that the pictures come out.”

The next visible eclipse in Warwick won’t be until 2079- though the city will be in the path of totality then. With a 55-year wait, though, those in attendance said that they were glad to experience something as rare as an almost-total eclipse.

“I’ll be 81 then, so hopefully I make it to that one,” Villada said. “But this is pretty exciting to see- I’m excited to see the changes from our point of view.”

eclipse, Rocky Point

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