SOLAR PROJECT
Track-goers take time out to watch the historic eclipse
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » The world’s problems seemed far away Monday as Americans nationwide turned their sights heavenward for a glimpse of the first coast-to-coast solar eclipse in nearly a century.
At Saratoga Race Course, three Eclipse-Award winning jockeys -Ramon Dominguez, Angel Cordero and Richard Migliore -- watched the event from the clubhouse roof.
Down below, hundreds of people lined up for a glimpse through solar-filtered telescopes, guided by seasonal track employee Benjamin Palmer, of Queensbury, who works full time for the National Astronomy Foundation.
“Thorougbred racing’s Eclipse Awards are named for a horse named Eclipse that won 18 major stakes,” he said. “This is the 18th eclipse this decade, around the world. Can you imagine a more unique venue to see it than this? This eclipse is special because it absorbs the whole collective culture of a nation.”
It followed a path from Salem, Ore. to Charleston, S.C.
“For a lot of people this is their first exposure to
astronomy,” Palmer said. “What better start than our own star, the sun.”
Joe Lampert, 60, of Long Island, said he hadn’t seen a solar eclipse since 1962.
“It’s amazing, really spectacular,” he said. “If I win a few bucks it will be even better.”
Joe Ortlieb, of Syrca-cuse, said the rare occurrence inspired him to bet a longshot.
“Just like an eclipse,” he said. “I’m hoping to change my luck here these next few races.”
At 2:41, track race caller Larry Collmus made a special announcement, informing fans that the eclipse had reached its peak over Saratoga Springs, with about 66 coverage of the sun. Minutes beforehand, he stepped out on the clubhouse roof to take a look for himself.
“When I was calling that last race it was noticeably darker,” Collmus said. “The jockeys’ silks looked different. The glare on the back roof here is nothing like it normally is.”
Weather conditions were ideal for the event, with clear blue skies that allowed for optimal viewing.
New York Racing Association gave 100 lucky fans solar-approved glasses to watch the eclipse with. Near the telescope display, behind the clubhouse, people could buy glasses for $30 with a portion of proceeds going to the National Astronomy Foundation. Palmer is the Ohio-based foundation’s national astrophysical youth committee chair.
“A $30 donation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, why not?” said Don Dybas, of Latham, who purchased glasses for his 11-year-old son, Stephen.
The moon’s shadow slowly crept from right to left across the sun.
“It looks like someone took a bite out of a cookie,” said Dan Vitro of Hoosick Falls.
“It looks like Pac-Man,” another fan said.
A partial or total solar eclipse occurs somewhere on Earth about twice per year. The next major one viewable in upstate New York will occur on April 8, 2024.
“I’ll probably be ice fishing,” joked Bob Spence, of Austerlitz, Columbia County.
Who knows, the Yankees might have to turn the lights on if there’s a day game scheduled.
George Albert, 74, of Pittsfield, Mass., watched the eclipse through glasses a friend bought for him online.
“I’ve seen a number of these through the years,” he said.
The sun occupied his attention briefly, but like most people, Albert stayed focused on his main reason for visiting the track.
“I wanted to play the horses,” he said, smiling.