PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Did you see it? The solar eclipse came and went in Philadelphia Monday afternoon, but not without testing everyone’s patience.
Hundreds turned out to view the partial eclipse at a free block party hosted by the Franklin Institute.
The excitement began around 2 p.m. There was some cloudiness in the sky, but people using their solar eclipse glasses or sitting in solar viewing tents were able to view the cosmic phenomena from time to time.
Debora Cruz and Linda Border, neighbors in Center City, were watching with certified solar glasses they purchased while sipping on some bubbly.
Cruz said she had never seen an eclipse before and came for the good energy and to be among the people.
“Whatever good energy the sun and moon are going to bring to us, we just want to be here to absorb it,” she said.
Many others were also feeding into the good energy — clapping, cheering and even dancing to the music playing outside the Franklin Institute.
But at peak time, 3:23 p.m., there was thick cloud cover and many gave up trying to see it and went home. Among them was Travis Brown from Manayunk.
“I was pretty hyped for this and [it was] pretty underwhelming,” he said.
By 3:50 p.m., the clouds rolled away, giving those who waited, like G. Galileoa, a sight to remember.
“I realized I’m like oh, I should take a picture of this! At least for the meme of the sun making a guest appearance with the clouds, the overcast.”
Jasmine Menedez of Port Richmond decided to stick it out and was glad she did.
“The people who left missed out. It was so beautiful,” she said.
Philly won’t see a total eclipse until May 1, 2079. But don't worry, there will be another partial eclipse next year, on March 29 at 6:51 a.m.