For what only lasted a few minutes, the whole world came together.
If word has not gone around yet: On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse occurred. This remarkable phenomenon resulted in a surreal experience for many.
The moon passed between the Earth and The Sun, completely overshadowing The Sun (resulting in totality). Key features during totality included complete darkness, and visibility of the sun’s corona (white-hot atmosphere emitted by the sun). Many travelled to specific sites along the ‘path of totality’ to experience this. The path of totality is a long narrow track where one can experience the full stages of the total eclipse. Space.com describes it as ‘the cone-shaped inner (umbral) shadow of the moon projected onto the Earth’s surface’.
This year, the path was 162 to 200 kilometres wide, and stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, full visibility only occurred in North America, Mexico (total eclipse previously seen July 11, 1991), the United States (July 11, 1991), Canada (August 1, 2008), and some parts of Europe. This time also recorded the longest totality on land for over a decade.
Although a total eclipse occurs every 1.5 years, the precise location changes. Experts calculate that the next total eclipse will be on August 12th, 2026, visible from Greenland, Iceland, the North Atlantic, and southwestern Europe. At a point close to Iceland, totality will last 2 minutes and 18 seconds. For North America though, the next total solar eclipse will not be until 2045.
The total solar eclipse had a significant social impact as well. Scientifically, it allowed scientists to study the sun and fully understand space weather. Monetarily, estimates show that this event has brought in a possible 6 billion dollars in economic boost in the United States alone. Some connected this occurrence to their spirituality; although to many it signified an opportunity for introspection and new beginnings. Lastly, it brought people together; as they shared this unique moment.
– Yusra Jameel
Sources:
- https://www.space.com/41552-total-solar-eclipse-2024-guide.html
- https://today.tamu.edu/2024/04/04/total-solar-eclipse-astronomers-break-down-the-science-behind-the-rare-phenomenon/
- https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/us-news/2024/04/08/661368ade2704ec58d8b4583.html#:~:text=Beyond%20its%20astronomical%20
wonder%2C%20the,the%20shedding%20of%20old%20energies. - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/04/08/total-solar-eclipse-2024-forecast-updates/72869293007/
- https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/05/world/total-solar-eclipse-map-path-shift-scn/index.html#:~:text=New%20map%20calculations%20have%20raised,darkness%20might%20be
%20left%20out.
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