San Diegans gather at Fleet Science Center to witness ring of fire solar eclipse

By Esmeralda Perez, CBS 8 San Diego

 A large crowd of people gathered at the Fleet Science Center Saturday morning to catch the sight of the ring of fire solar eclipse. 

“The idea of just seeing some natural phenomenon like this is incredible,” viewing party attendee Judy McKeever said. 

This rare event is not a full eclipse. What happens during the solar eclipse the moon passes in between the earth and the sun blocking all but the outer ring of the sun from our view. 

"It reminds us to look up from the world we see everyday," Fleet Science Center, CEO and President Steve Snyder said.   

In California, the people who got the clearest view were those in the north-east corner of the state. 

“The rest of California can see a partial for that reason because were on sort of the outside of the moon's shadow, not the darkest part,” Fleet Science Center Resident Astronomer, Dr. Lisa Will said. 

The last partial solar eclipse San Diego last saw was in 2017. This time around, people showed up early to witness this rare sight. The event gave people the chance to learn from experts more about the solar eclipse. 

For some people in attendance, this experience meant sharing a special moment with their loved ones. Like for Paola Orjuela who attended the viewing along with her son. She says, this is the first time they get to experience this together. 

“Create just memories with my son, because I know it's going to be a long time for us to see this again,”  Orjuela said. 

The next annular eclipse is expected to hit the contiguous United States in 2046. 

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