More than 1,200 people gathered for several hours in the Quad area on Maryville University’s campus to share the experience of a total solar eclipse.Aug. 21 was the first time since 1442 that the greater St. Louis region witnessed such a cosmic event — and Maryville was fortunate to be located in the Path of Totality, the 70-mile-wide swath of Earth in view of the moon’s full shadow.
As part of the day’s observance, Kelly Lave, PhD, assistant professor of physics, spoke about the science of a total solar eclipse. John Marino, PhD, associate professor of English, discussed mythologies and ancient traditions created around the event of an eclipse.