Eclipse it!
Solar Eclipses. A phenomenon that occurs when the Moon is in front of the Sun, covering or “eclipsing” the Sun. Solar Eclipses happen so frequently yet feel so rare when they come around. Yet, seeing the Moon blocking the Sun is something that gives me so much joy for reasons I’m still wondering about to this day.
In 2017, a solar eclipse graced the United States, and I was able to see the eclipse partially in Philadelphia. That moment was big for me, but after three weeks of satisfaction, I had a new goal in mind: A Total Solar Eclipse. Total solar eclipses happen when a New Moon comes between the Sun and Earth and casts the darkest part of its shadow, the umbra, on Earth.
After a quick search, I found out that my next moment to achieve that goal would be almost seven years from that moment: April 8th, 2024. So, since there are now only 786 days left until the eclipse, it’s a good time as any to talk about it.
The eclipse is visible in nearly most of North America, with the UK and Portugal getting slivers of a view as well. Solar Eclipses are all about perspective. It can be seen where the Moon is only blocking a small part of the Sun, most likely the view Europe will of Sun. However, if you’re lucky enough, or if you know where to go, you can be right under the Moon’s path where you can experience the total solar eclipse. The path of “totality” runs through Mexico, the US, and Canada. It runs from Texas to Maine in the US, crossing through Dallas, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Buffalo. The eclipse path on land is mainly in the US, so even if you can’t make it to one of those cities or near them, you can still have a good view, even if it’s not the total eclipse.
Solar Eclipses are a wonder to see, and I can’t wait until 2024 to see one.
Signing off,
Paschal N
P.S: If you want to know more about eclipses and when they come check this out: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/list.html?starty=2020
Sources:
Mazzzur. A total eclipse is spectacular to see.Time and Date, www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/total-solar-eclipse.html. Accessed 12 Feb. 2022.
Time and Date. "What Are Total Solar Eclipses?" Time and Date, www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/total-solar-eclipse.html. Accessed 12 Feb. 2022.
Time and Date. "April 8, 2024 — Great North American Eclipse (Total Solar Eclipse)." Time and Date, www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2024-april-8. Accessed 12 Feb. 2022.