JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Crowds flocked to the University of North Florida to witness the solar eclipse.
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People packed the campus to get free eclipse glasses.
“My teacher says I got to wear the new glasses like my parents do so I can see the sun...so when I look at the sun, I can see the moon,” Nathan said.
A moon, that for a brief window, seemed like it really might be made out of cheese.
“It looked like a cheese ball with a big bite out of it,” Liam said.
Nathan said the moon looked like a Cheeto.
“It looks like a type of moon that looks like a Cheeto. But not actually a Cheeto because the moon is the sun...the moon covers the sun,” Nathan said.
For some, the full appreciation of an eclipse is an acquired taste.
“For me, it’s just a couple of times in my life,” Doris Page said.
A rare sight, taken in by people across the country, and in Jacksonville.
At about five minutes past the peak totality, it was shadier and cooler than it was earlier in the day.
Andy Pakulski said the eclipse was inspiring.
“It’s so beautiful, so inspiring, I want to go to space now,” Pakulski said.
He also said the moon looked like the Chesire Cat from Alice and Wonderland, but very orange.
A crowd filled with excitement for a free celestial show making for an exceptional Monday.
“It’s been so nice. The sun is out and it’s just wonderful to be outside with friends,” Pakulski said.