PHOTO GALLERY: A partial solar eclipse at MU

Ryan Banks looks through the telescope of Laws Observatory atop the MU Physics Building on Sunday evening. The astronomical association invited guests to the observatory to view the eclipse before sunset.   |  Parker Miles Blohm

Residents in mid-Missouri were able to experience a partial solar eclipse Sunday evening just before sunset. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun blocking the sun's rays. Columbia residents will be able to view a total eclipse of the sun in August 2017.   |  Parker Miles Blohm

Jekook Chung watches the sun with special goggles Sunday evening at MU's Laws Observatory. The partial solar eclipse was visible in Columbia just before sunset.   |  Parker Miles Blohm

The astronomical association invited guests to Laws Observatory on the roof of the MU Physics Building to view the solar eclipse Sunday evening.   |  Parker Miles Blohm

Randy Durk shows guests watch a live feed of the solar eclipse Sunday evening at Laws Observatory atop the MU Physics Building.   |  Parker Miles Blohm