The historic Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin has witnessed many rare astronomical events throughout its 126-year history. One such event was the solar eclipse that occurred on Monday, which drew over 300 people to the observatory.
The event was organized by Mallory Conlon, an employee at the observatory, as a way to commemorate the history of astronomical observations at Yerkes. She emphasized the significance of sharing this experience with the community and highlighted the numerous eclipse missions conducted by astronomers at Yerkes between the 1900s and 1950s.
Baisha Whitten, one of the attendees, brought her family from Milwaukee to witness the eclipse. Her passion for astronomy motivated her to create lasting memories with her children just as she remembered experiencing eclipses in her own childhood. The sense of wonder and excitement at the event was palpable among all who attended.
As the eclipse began, trolley shuttles were needed to accommodate the overflow of visitors due to its popularity. Whitten described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that surpassed her expectations and left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it. The event served as a reminder of how important it is to preserve and cherish astronomical history and traditions for future generations.
Overall, despite its relatively common occurrence compared to other celestial events, Monday’s solar eclipse at Yerkes Observatory proved to be a remarkable occasion for both those who organized it and those who attended it alike.
