Viewing Total Solar Eclipse at Roper Mountain Science Center, Greenville SC
It was a very hot and humid August 21st, 2017, when we had the incredible experience of viewing a total solar eclipse at the Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, South Carolina. This event, our first total solar eclipse, was the culmination of a long 575-mile trek from Maryland, but we knew it would be worth it. Fortunately, we had planned ahead and secured tickets for this highly anticipated eclipse viewing, ensuring we had a place to park and witness this astronomical phenomenon. Although the skies were initially cloudy and overcast, the forecast predicted a clearing, a hopeful wish shared by the thousands of fellow solar eclipse watchers present.
Upon entering the center, we joined a long line of cars, relieved to see shuttle buses ready to transport all participants to one of the five designated viewing areas for the **total solar eclipse**. We quickly realized the significant benefit of attending an event at a science center. In each viewing area, an astronomer shared fascinating details about the upcoming eclipse, providing valuable insights that enhanced the experience for many of us. This voice of authority offered minute-to-minute updates on the celestial progress and what to anticipate. It felt much like a sports event, with the astronomer providing a play-by-play narrative as the time ticked down in excited anticipation for the main event at **Roper Mountain Science Center**.
We were in a viewing area near the Hall of Natural Science with exhibits to see, washrooms and a pleasant air conditioned reprieve from the steamy August weather.
You could feel the palpable anticipation in the crowd as the countdown for the **solar eclipse viewing** began. Everyone settled comfortably on their lawn chairs and blankets. Some attendees set up telescopes, while most people came prepared with binoculars fitted with solar eclipse filters or protective glasses tucked safely in their pockets, essential gear for **viewing the total solar eclipse** safely.
All day It was overcast but by afternoon the clouds began to clear. Of course as the sun came out the temperature began to rise, so we looked for some shade. We found a spot behind a small tree and some bushes. This location turned out to be ideal for our **eclipse viewing experience**.
When the eclipse began as the moon began to cover the sun it was interesting how the birds began to react to the dimming sun. All of a sudden there was almost total silence, no birds flying, no chirping, not a sound. We also noticed that the crowd around us began to talk to one another in hushed voices.
As the moon continued its path to cover more of the sun, you could distinctly feel the temperature drop. We observed the fascinating shadow of the partial eclipse projected through the leaves of a nearby bush, creating hundreds of tiny, crescent-shaped images of the eclipse visible on the sidewalk. The sunlight filtering through the small gaps between the leaves acted like a natural pinhole camera, beautifully displaying these miniature images of the moon progressively blocking the sun during the **eclipse viewing at Roper Mountain Science Center**.
The entire **total solar eclipse viewing experience** was truly magical, almost spiritual. We were part of a large group of total strangers, united by a shared, kindred spirit, hushed in collective silence and awe. All of us were gazing at the sky with a profound sense of wonder at the incredible celestial event unfolding above us.
Gene and Katie Hamilton are longtime stargazers who follow the stars and write about their dark sky adventures. They are members of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.
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