2017 Solar Eclipse Pics

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 25, 2017)

Oak Park, Ferndale, Ortonville, Southfield, Troy, Royal Oak, MI – Throughout Oakland County kids and adults joined with people all over the United States to watch a solar eclipse as it crossed the nation.  In Metro Detroit the moon blocked out the sun by about 90%.

Libraries became gathering places for eclipse-viewers.  Most had eclipse glasses to give away, but ran out quickly.

“People began lining up at 9:30 am yesterday morning for a chance to get free solar eclipse glasses. They brought their lawn chairs and umbrellas for shade. The supply was gone in 5 minutes. They waited outside the library for the doors to open to be able to view the eclipse through shared glasses and live streaming in the meeting room and auditorium. Some folks set up lawn chairs and partied in the tower lobby. The only time they took out their cell phones was to take pictures filtered through the glasses,” posted the Southfield Library on Facebook.  “Small children’s faces lit up when they raised their chins and caught sight of the waning sun. Other people spent the afternoon leisurely sitting out on the front lawn and visiting with friends. Many kudos to the fine library staff who handed out the free glasses and manned the glasses table, worked security, set up the viewing rooms, held down the ship at reference and circulation, and fielded all the calls leading up to the day of the eclipse. For one afternoon folks of all shapes, sizes, colors, and religions gathered together to celebrate the alignment of the sun, the moon, and our life sustaining planet and the library was pleased to be a part of it.”

Readers from all over Oakland County shared their solar eclipse photos to make this collective memory.

The next solar eclipse takes place April 8, 2024, with Metro Detroit being even closer to the path of totality.  Be sure to check out Oakland County Times in the days leading up to that event for information on viewing parties!  Thanks everyone who shared pictures!