Slice of History - Total Eclipse of the Heart

March 26, 2024

Black and white image of three men, each with a handmade tube telescope, all pointed up at the sky.

Black and white view of the eclipse, centered against a black colored sky.

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Black and white image of a red-tailed hawk perched on a branch of a large tree in the center of the frame, with a building face in the background and a crowd of people in the bottom of the frame looking up toward it.

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

On 11 July 1991, JPLers eagerly clustered outside of the PhotoLab to take turns peering into handmade tubes, sextants, and solar glasses to view a picture-perfect partial solar eclipse. This solar event was seen throughout 90% of Los Angeles, with exceptions to coastal areas where fog and haze obscured the view. Excited “ohs” and “ahs” echoed across the Lab while JPLers came together to enjoy the small, greenish eclipse pictured below. A special guest appearance was made by a red-tailed hawk which glided down from the mountains and perched itself atop a tree outside of Building 180. Eclipses are known for causing confusion among birds, animals, and day-blooming flowers. The hawk settled in the tree for the duration of the eclipse - curiously keeping one eye on eclipse-viewing JPLers and one eye to the sky. CL#24-1055

The content presented here should be viewed in the context of the time period. Our intent is to present the history of JPL in a factual manner that uses primary resources and historical context. We recognize that some information or images do not reflect the current values, policies, and mission of JPL.

Want to learn more about the history of JPL?

VISIT THE JPL ARCHIVES