Today, residents from across the community went to the San Gabriel Library to catch the solar eclipse. While San Gabriel was not in the path of totality, residents were able to see a partial solar eclipse that resembled a crescent moon using special safety visors and pinhole projectors.

Given that the last total eclipse occurred in 1979 over the continental U.S., the library was quick to deplete its supply of 600 solar glasses by mid-morning due to high demand. Of course, that didn’t stop residents from sharing their glasses with their follow community members as people focused their gaze at the sun. A handful of residents also created special pinhole projectors using a variety of common household items, including cereal boxes and pieces of paper with foil, to view the moon’s shadow.

If you missed the viewing party, the next total solar eclipse over the continental U.S. will occur on April 8, 2024. If you do plan on catching the 2024 eclipse, be sure to pick up a new set of safety visors! Safety visors from this year’s eclipse are not recommended for use after three years.

For now, we’ve included some of our favorite shots of the solar eclipse viewing party below.

Residents gathered at the San Gabriel Library for a viewing party for the solar eclipse 

A look at the solar eclipse using a pinhole projector 

Another look at the eclipse - this time from a homemade pinhole projector created by a resident