Flashback: Eclipse of sun seen in Worcester 2 years ago

WORCESTER — You will have to wait until 2024 for the next total eclipse of the sun, but the eclipse viewing party held two years ago remains one of the better-attended events on Worcester Common.

The event drew hundreds of people of all ages to the common, viewing the eclipse through everything from cell phone cameras to cereal boxes. The city handed out eclipse viewing safety glasses, but ran out because of the unexpected demand.

A total solar eclipse is rare, but more unusual is a total solar eclipse visible from the United States. The best viewing of the 2017 eclipse was on a line from Washington State to Georgia. New Englanders could get a much better view on April 8, 2024. The full eclipse path will pass through the tops of Vermont and New Hampshire.

Lunar eclipses are much more common. Next July there will be a partial lunar eclipse visible from New England. Another of the same will be seen in November 2020. The next total lunar eclipse visible in Massachusetts will be May 15-16, 2022. If you miss that, another will arrive May 13-14, 2025.

Video: Worcester By Bike