After predicting the exact date 38 years ago, students and staff witnessed a scientific phenomenon: the solar eclipse. On August 21, 2017 at 10:22 a.m., the eclipse lasted only a couple of minutes in California. Many students were in awe of this naturally occurring event especially, senior Nick Parrino.

“During class, our teacher let us out to go witness the eclipse and at first I didn’t think much of it,” Parrino said. “But when I saw it, I was amazed that nature could create such a cool event. I used my solar eclipse glasses and stared at it for a solid five minutes.”

According to NASA: Total Eclipse web site, solar eclipses form when the path of the moon completely covers the sun, causing a shadow effect. This eclipse was seen through its path of totality, or the pathway the eclipse is visible to the human eye.

This particular eclipse, the path of totality started in Oregon and ended in South Carolina. However, California only got to experience 62 percent of the eclipse.

“Even though I couldn’t fully see and experience the whole darkness part of the eclipse, I thought that it was very intriguing to look at, and I can’t wait to experience the next one,” Parrino said.

The next predicted eclipse is on April 8, 2024. So if you missed it, there’s always a predicted next time!