"DC-area Residents Marvel at Rare Partial Solar Eclipse"
Thousands of spectators gathered on the National Mall in Washington D.C. to witness a partial solar eclipse, with millions of people across the U.S. pausing to look up as the rare event unfolded. Despite not being in the path of totality, D.C.-area residents enjoyed an ideal forecast for viewing the eclipse, with some schools using the event as a learning opportunity. The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum hosted a festival and distributed over 2,500 pairs of safety glasses for eclipse viewing. The eclipse, which began at 2:04 p.m. and reached its maximum obscuration of 89% at 3:20 p.m., brought together people from various locations for a unique and awe-inspiring experience.