By Sam Sage, outgoing Editor-in-Chief
April 8th, 2024 found New York in the path of totality for the total solar eclipse. Luckily for all of us, we didn’t need eclipse glasses because the eclipse was nearly unseeable thanks to cloud cover. The alumni-networking event held at Braeburn Country Club in Dansville was successful, though, in terms of food choices, alcohol, Canadian geese, and corn hole.
All jokes aside, being within the path of totality was a very unique experience. At 3:21pm, for those of us in New York, we were at peak darkness. Although it took a little over an hour for this darkness to encroach, the several minutes before totality went by in a snap. Students at Braeburn Country Club celebrated totality alongside faculty and alumni, cheering as the darkness overtook the golf course.
Some, like Professor Paul Butterfield, took full advantage of the cloudy moment and gazed at the changing skyscape. Others, like Dr. Michele Lowry, stood for the show long enough to consider an encore (without clouds) but generally took a good-natured approach to the experience.
Those of us in New York who don’t want to travel have likely experienced a once-in-a-lifetime event. Some of the lucky few know what a total solar eclipse looks like without cloud cover, but I’m sure most of us are just excited we didn’t have to wear the glasses!