The Great American Eclipse moves across NE Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A historic total eclipse traveled across the U.S. Monday, giving partial coverage in NE Kansas.

“It just seemed like a great opportunity to get out and not only witness the eclipse but take advantage of the awesome equipment that The Flint Hills Discovery Center made available so we could view the eclipse in a unique way,” said Eclipse Viewer Noelle Thurlow.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center started its watch party at 10:00 a.m. treating guests to astronomy-themed events while they awaited the eclipse.

“We have different giveaways out here at one of our tables. We have the Manhattan Public Library partnering along with the North Central Kansas Library systems where they have different safe ways to view the eclipse as well as activities and other giveaways,” said Flint Hills Discovery Center Creator of Education Sally Dreher.

Guests were able to view this celestial event through a telescope or sun spotter donated by Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries.

“So we get to see the shadow of the moon on the sun. What we’re able to look at also today is some really great sunspot activity and sunspot activity is a result of a bunch of magnetic fields going on on the sun and certain areas of that sun getting really cool and turning black,” said Kansas Astronomical Observer Steve Johannes.

The moon began covering the sun around 12:30 p.m., peaking at 1:54 p.m. for Manhattan, Kansas viewers, before completing its pass by 3:30 p.m.

“It is so beautiful, I’ve seen them before but today I got to relax and enjoy with all the people, so it was really exciting,” said Que Purdy.

“It was really cool we thought it was going to be a little bit darker but honestly I’m just kind of like we literally got to see the moon in front of the sun like that,” said Emily Link.

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