By Will Gilson, Evan Filandrianos, Matt Kaminsky, and Jerry Gibbs, Currier Times Staff///

From the Student Center to the Quad, and other places around campus, the Curry community paused on the afternoon of April 8th to witness a historic solar eclipse that swept across the United States. While northern New England was fortunate to see 100% totality, the Milton area reached 93% and left students, faculty and staff mesmerized for the four minutes or so at its peak.

Students gathered by the dozens on the Quad, sitting in Adirondack chairs, on the lawn, and on ledges wearing solar eclipse glasses. For many, it was something not to miss.

“The fact that this won’t happen again for a long time,” said Carly Jones, a junior Communication major.

In front of the Student Center, dozens gathered on the front lawn to witness the moment. Anticipation built as the hour drew near.

“It’s a solar eclipse,” said Chuy Gomez, a sophomore Communication major. “I don’t want to miss it especially because we’re so close to where it’s going like fully cover the sun.”

“Honestly this is just a once in a lifetime experience and I don’t want to miss it,” said Reilly Ganter, a sophomore Biology major. “I just think it’s really cool.”

At the peak of the eclipse, the skies grew noticeably darker, and the air temperature dropped. Long shadows were cast from the people staring up at the sky, looking in awe at the spectacle of the moon crossing over the sun.

Looking through the specialized glasses, the moon slowly started to pass over the sun, almost like it was taking a bite out of a PacMan object.

Shortly after 3:30 p.m., totality for the greater Boston area took place, leaving many people in silence, pondering the beauty of what they were witnessing.

At peak, there were audible gasps and shock from some viewers watching at the Student Center.

“Wow, I see it,” said one onlooker.

On the Quad, a similar reaction.

“This really is an amazing sight to see,” said Hayley Roach, a Biology major. “It feels a little cooler, and a lot more dimmer outside than this morning.”

“It felt incredible. It felt life changing and it was a great experience,” said John Garrison, a Public Relations major. “It also felt very cold.”

Others enjoyed the fact that the community got together, as one, to watch.

“I find it kind of funny how we’re all really excited to watch an orange sliver progressively get smaller,” said Ben O’Brien, a Communication major. “I’m joining in on the fun with everyone on the Quad. I like to see everyone coming out.”

Once the eclipse started to pass, and the skies started to brighten, the crowds dispersed.

Some, however, were underwhelmed, saying it didn’t get too dark.

For those who were disappointed, it might be time to book a place to stay during the next “lower 48 states” eclipse, scheduled for August 23, 2044, to see a 100% totality.