Just now, a group of us gathered at the historic Soulton Hall for a rare experience: witnessing a partial solar eclipse.
The normally private Epidaurus Court was opened especially for this watch party.
Before the main event, there was an opportunity to share a bit about why Soulton Hall was such a fitting location. The hall has a long history connected to astronomy and natural science through the influence of Sir Rowland Hill, a Renaissance figure with a keen interest in the cosmos. His fascination is reflected in the hall’s design, including its alignment with the Easter sunrise and the presence of a camera obscura in the chapel.
As the time for the eclipse drew nearer, we made sure everyone understood the importance of safe viewing practices. We were reminded never to look directly at the sun and the need for proper solar eclipse glasses or filters. The idea of using a simple pinhole camera as a safe viewing method was also shared.
From 9:45 AM to 12:00 PM, we watched as the partial solar eclipse unfolded. It was wonderful to share the experience of witnessing this celestial event together in such a historically significant setting. While the weather conditions played a role in the visibility, the shared anticipation and wonder made it a memorable morning. Some of us even remembered a previous partial eclipse seen at Soulton Hall in 2015, a photo of which showed the reflection of the eclipse in safety glass alongside the house. It was a great opportunity to come together and marvel at the wonders of the universe.
We would like to thank the Shropshire Star for kindly signposting this event!
