By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Hundreds made their way to the grounds by the South Wood County Football Field to catch a glimpse of Monday’s partial solar eclipse.

Passing through the northern half of the country at a downward slope, Monday’s eclipse started its journey in Oregon, before slicing through Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and others before making its final stop in South Carolina at approximately 2:00 p.m. The eclipse hit its peak in Wisconsin Rapids at approximately 1:13 p.m.

Many on hand used various methods to witness the rare event, from utilizing a kitchen colander to reflect the shadow on the ground, pinhole projectors, and projection through a telescope. Of course, the most popular method used were special glasses handed out by Lincoln High School staff to fully experience the solar event.

If you missed out on this year’s partial eclipse, you’re only less than seven years away from the next partial eclipse on April 8, 2024. This will start in Texas and pass through the eastern-central part of the United States. The next total solar eclipse will take place Sept. 14, 2099 and will actually pass right through Wood County.

For night owls, the next total lunar eclipse will take place on May 15-16, 2022.