Eclipses can be predicted centuries in advance.
That’s why many people had been looking forward to the latest total solar eclipse their whole lives.
This was the case for Patrick Moriarty, a retired science teacher from upstate New York.
I said, Hey, why dont you circle this April 8, 2024 eclipseand you know what?
Were going to get together on that, Moriarty recalled telling his 9th grade class.
And my kids looked at me like I was crazy, hetoldNBC News.
Now 68 years old, Moriarty looked forward to the gathering.
How do you guys like this?!
he told his former students.
Many showed up with their spouses and children, wearing Moriarty Eclipse Gathering shirts.
As breathtaking as the eclipse was, the reunion meant something more to the former teacher.
Now theyre adults and the mask is off, he explained.
Its not about the eclipse.
I wish every educator had this.
Now, 46 years later, he welcomed a hundred of his former pupils to watch it together.
