Riverside, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2014) –California Baptist University students, faculty and staff peered through special glasses or looked through telescopes equipped with solar filters to view the partial solar eclipse Oct. 30.

Dr. Kyle Stewart, assistant professor of physics, with assistance from CBU's astronomy club, arranged the event outside Mission Hall. Participants were able to see the moon partially blocking the sun.

"Solar eclipses are rare events to be able to witness," Stewart said. "I think eclipses hold fascination for people because they are an extremely hands-on, visual way to think about the solar system."

Amanda Snodgrass, a sophomore aviation flight major, had not previously seen a solar eclipse.

"It's super cool," she said. "It's something you don't see every day."

Stephanie Lee, a senior biology major and president of the astronomy club, said it was a great event because it gave students an opportunity to view something they would not have known was happening otherwise.

"It's amazing to see how an eclipse works and to get a glimpse of how the universe was designed," she said.

Valarie Ramirez, a junior biology major, was grateful to have the opportunity to see the eclipse and the sun spots.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to use a telescope like that," she said.

Stewart commented that solar eclipses are rare events that enable viewers to learn about the motions of bodies in the solar system, like the earth, moon and the sun.

"It's also a great way to think about the ‘big picture,'" he said, "and to give God the glory for the intricate balance and abundant majesty we see in the universe."