The Emmanuel College quad was the place to be last night, according to the sea of students staring up at the sky. The Supermoon was the main attraction, appearing for the first time in more than 30 years. The total eclipse of the moon occurred around 10:47 p.m., but students were enjoying the cool air, wrapped up in blankets, long before that.
City lights dimmed the visibility, but curiosity kept the crowd’s gaze. Emily Penta, a senior at Emmanuel, said she had been watching videos and reading articles about this rare moon in preparation for last night. There will not be another sighting until the year 2033, her surrounding friends explained to me. Penta majors in business management, but her interest in science had her exclaim, “I’m just a nerd,” when asked why she was outside with everyone else.
The unexpected gathering of over 100 people was not everyone’s ideal way to enjoy the moon, however. “I would rather be sprawled out in the middle of a field somewhere,” explained sophomore Julia Thetford. Blankets filled the quad as word of mouth caused the crowd to continue to grow throughout the night. Many students began clapping and howling at the moon when it reached its final stage and captured everyone’s attention. “It looks like a burnt Cheeto exploded,” Maria Rago said excitedly, as she tried to think of the perfect description for the unique color of the Supermoon, also known as the Blood Moon.
The Blood Moon is not only beautiful, but it holds spiritual meanings for many. During the span of the moon change, it is said that one should envision all that they wish to invite into their life and all they wish to release. The moon can also be a symbol for renewal if one wishes to harness its energy. “I dig it,” said sophomore Brian Hippern, as he sat with his headphones in and contemplated the meaning behind the moon. “It blows your mind and takes you out of your immediate world.”
Many students used last night as an excuse to hang out with their friends, while others soaked up the science aspect or appreciated the moon as a way to start fresh. No matter the reason, the Supermoon was able to bring the Emmanuel community together for a memorable Sunday under the night sky.