Solar Eclipse

Cary 4-year-old Paula Pulido Hernandez views her first solar eclipse.
Cary 4-year-old Paula Pulido Hernandez views her first solar eclipse.
Claire Han of Cary is abuzz with solar eclipse excitement.
Claire Han of Cary is abuzz with solar eclipse excitement.
Craig Faulk of Cary watches the eclipse at Bond Park.
Craig Faulk of Cary watches the eclipse at Bond Park.
The solar eclipse became an afternoon of picnics and leisure at Bond Park.
The solar eclipse became an afternoon of picnics and leisure at Bond Park.
9-year-old James Kearney’s expression says it all.
9-year-old James Kearney’s expression says it all.
Elizabeth Kearney and 6-year-old son Aiden, who created a special mask for the event.
Elizabeth Kearney and 6-year-old son Aiden, who created a special mask for the event.
Using her pinhole box, Maria Witcher points to the partial eclipse.
Using her pinhole box, Maria Witcher points to the partial eclipse.
Larry Witcher of Cary tries to photograph the event with a pair of solar eclipse glasses.
Larry Witcher of Cary tries to photograph the event with a pair of solar eclipse glasses.
Hundreds watch the eclipse from the hill at Fred G. Bond Metro Park.
Hundreds watch the eclipse from the hill at Fred G. Bond Metro Park.
Sunlight projects mini eclipses onto the ground as the light passes through gaps in tree leaves.
Sunlight projects mini eclipses onto the ground as the light passes through gaps in tree leaves.
Friends watch the eclipse from the comfort of a blanket. From left, Grace Haley, Cameron Cunningham, and siblings Kaylie and Jason Naylor.
Friends watch the eclipse from the comfort of a blanket. From left, Grace Haley, Cameron Cunningham, and siblings Kaylie and Jason Naylor.
Cary’s Candice Plemmons and 13-year-old daughter Aaliyah watch the show from their blanket.
Cary’s Candice Plemmons and 13-year-old daughter Aaliyah watch the show from their blanket.
Cary mom Marjorie Reed and 4-year-old Helen test their shades.
Cary mom Marjorie Reed and 4-year-old Helen test their shades.
The open field at Bond Park provides an unobstructed view of the eclipse.
The open field at Bond Park provides an unobstructed view of the eclipse.
A camera records the eclipse at its peak.
A camera records the eclipse at its peak.
A family enjoys a picnic and solar eclipse.
A family enjoys a picnic and solar eclipse.
Hillary Hoban of Cary uses two pairs or solar eclipse glasses — one pair for herself, the other for her cell phone.
Hillary Hoban of Cary uses two pairs or solar eclipse glasses — one pair for herself, the other for her cell phone.

Area residents flocked to the grassy hillside at Fred G. Bond Metro Park in Cary Monday, April 8, to witness a rare solar eclipse. Although the Sun was only partially covered by the Moon (around 80 percent) for viewers in Cary, based on onlookers’ facial expressions, the experience was memorable. The next solar eclipse to visit North America will be in 20 years.