Scenes from State Library’s Eclipse Event

Scenes from State Library’s Eclipse Event

August 21, 2017

For those who couldn’t make the trip (or chose not to go due to the expected large crowds and brutal traffic) south to Oregon and watch this morning’s solar eclipse in its totality, there were many eclipse events held in different Washington communities. [caption id="attachment_23539" align="alignnone" width="720"]

People gaze at the sky as the moon blocks nearly all of the view of the sun from Tumwater.[/caption] The Eclipse Event at the Washington State Library in Tumwater proved to be one of the most popular, as an estimated 500 people gathered on the south side of the library building to view an astronomical event last seen in our state in 1979. How long ago was it? To put that year in perspective, the Sonics were about to win their lone NBA championship, disco still reigned and Dixy Lee Ray was still governor. [caption id="attachment_23540" align="alignnone" width="720"]

An astronomer answers a question about the eclipse.

An astronomer (microphone in hand) answers a question before the solar eclipse begins in Tumwater.[/caption] The State Library provided 300 pairs of eclipse glasses to visitors so they could view the eclipse safely. While some people didn’t receive their own pair, others generously shared their pair so everyone could view the eclipse without hurting their eyes. A guest speaker from the Tacoma Astronomical Society provided facts about the eclipse and answered questions from the crowd. Two people from the Evergreen Astronomical Society set up telescopes for viewing the eclipse. [caption id="attachment_23538" align="alignnone" width="720"]

A woman views the solar eclipse through a telescope provided by astronomers.[/caption] As people gathered in the State Library parking lot and gazed at the sky while the moon slowly moved between the Earth and our local star, a few music fans contemplated an “Eclipse Set List” of songs that are somehow related to the sun, the moon, eclipses and shadows. In no particular order: “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” – Bonnie Tyler “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It” – R.E.M. “Moonshadow” – Cat Stevens “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers “Staring At The Sun” – U2 “Blinded By The Light” – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band “Here Comes The Sun” – Beatles “Walking On Sunshine” – Katrina and The Waves “Sunglasses At Night” – Corey Hart “Black Hole Sun” – Soundgarden “Invisible Sun” – The Police “Between Sun And Moon” – Rush And last but not least… “Eclipse” – Pink Floyd What did you think of the Solar Eclipse 2017? And what songs would you add to the eclipse song list? Answer in the comments below!

(html)

Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs

Connect with Us

OSOS Websites

About this Blog

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

Comments Disclaimer

The comments and opinions expressed by users of this blog are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Secretary of State’s Office or its employees. The agency screens all comments in accordance with the Secretary of State’s blog use policy, and only those that comply with that policy will be approved and posted. Outside comments will not be edited by the agency.