Flyer Time — 3:09 p.m., Central Mall
The only thing most Flyers on campus needed to be doing on the afternoon of April 8 was sitting on a green patch of grass with friends and looking up. During the solar eclipse, students, faculty and staff and their families enjoyed a festive atmosphere amped up by a live DJ and solar-themed cookout menu provided by dining services. Jason Deibel, associate professor of physics who roamed Central Mall dressed as the sun, noted how rare it is for Americans to collectively share in a scientific event. Cheers rose from the lawn as the moon snuffed out the sun in totality at 3:09 p.m. for 2 minutes and 35 seconds. Said senior Kira Yoakum, “Seeing the community come together to watch such a special moment was unforgettable.”