Eclipse Paused the Action in Franklin for Part of Monday Afternoon

Above, "Benji" -- the figure in the `Hats off to Franklin' sculpture at the Historical Museum, was not only well bronzed but also equipped with appropriate eye protection for sun gazing.

According to Eclipse2024.org, the eclipse in Franklin ranked as a “deep partial” (with magnitude 92.6%), not as spectacular as many were able to experience in Northern New England, but still worth a pause in the day’s activity to take a look.

And we both paused and looked. Some sporting events were reportedly shifted later, to allow athletes and supporters time to gaze skyward. Near peak, knots of people could be seen around the center of town, on the lawn of the library, on street corners and on roofs and in yards; an odd mixture of solitary and social experiences in mutual proximity.

Those with the appropriate glasses or other viewing apparatus got to see a mostly obscured orb peeking through the hazy cloud cover. Those without glasses discovered in a moment, that glancing at Old Sol, was ill advised.

Just in time to allow for a proper preparation for sunset, the sun returned around 4:30 pm.

Below, a group of School Street area residents taking in the eclipse.