Total solar eclipse 2024 leaves North America in awe; unprecedented spectacle captivates millions
PTC News Desk: The Total Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024, mesmerised millions across North America, as breathtaking images and videos flooded the internet, documenting the rare celestial event. From Dallas to Canada, individuals recounted their awe-inspiring views of the sun's corona against a darkened sky, marking a spectacle that won't recur for another two decades. Clear skies prevailed, allowing for an unobstructed view of the phenomenon.
NASA contributed to the excitement by sharing footage captured from the space station, adding to the social media frenzy already ignited by captivating photographs. A large audience had the opportunity to witness the eclipse, which commenced on the Pacific coast of Mexico at 11:07 am local time, sweeping across the United States at remarkable speed before concluding over Canada's Atlantic coast roughly ninety minutes later.
Follow, follow the Sun / And which way the wind blows / When this day is done ????
Today, April 8, 2024, the last total solar #eclipse until 2045 crossed North America. pic.twitter.com/YH618LeK1j — NASA (@NASA) April 8, 2024
Eclipse mania gripped North America as millions of people along the eclipse's path of totality marveled at the celestial display. The event brought together elements of scientific fascination, commercial activity, and daytime festivities, with festivals, viewing parties, and even mass weddings organised to coincide with the eclipse. The Sun's corona, visible as the Moon's shadow passed in front, left crowds spellbound.
Paulina Nava, a resident of Mazatlan, Mexico, described the experience as "spectacular" and unlike anything she had ever witnessed before. Scenes of excitement, applause, and affection unfolded as observers reacted to the phenomenon, with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador labeling it a "very beautiful, unforgettable day" during his visit to Mazatlan.
The #Eclipse2024 from Canada ???????? pic.twitter.com/syA72kJfcj — OThingstodo (@othingstodo_com) April 8, 2024
Meanwhile, in downtown Montreal, Canada, office workers paused their routines to capture images of the eclipse through protective glasses, with many describing their hearts racing with excitement. The path of totality, spanning 115 miles wide, hosted nearly 32 million Americans, while an additional 150 million lived within a 200-mile radius of the eclipse's trajectory, as reported by NASA, which provided a live webcast of the event.
The total solar #eclipse is now sweeping across Indianapolis.
This is the first time in more than 800 years that the city is experiencing this celestial event! pic.twitter.com/jZuKx4nUAb — NASA (@NASA) April 8, 2024
In anticipation of the highly awaited Total Solar Eclipse, preparations unfolded across states such as Texas, Arkansas, Ohio, and Maine, where schools closed their doors and hotels along with short-term rentals in prime viewing spots had been fully booked for months in advance.
Solar Eclipse Totality over the Grand Canyon ????????#SolarEclipse2024 #Eclipse2024 pic.twitter.com/cgfSzEbFsS — OThingstodo (@othingstodo_com) April 8, 2024
In the quaint town of Ingram, Texas, eclipse enthusiasts gathered at Stonehenge II park, a meticulous replica of the ancient monument in England, despite the overcast conditions. Among them were Jeni Lyn Hunter, 57, and her husband Charles Guillory, 60, who identified themselves as "pagans" and donned Merlin hats for the occasion. For Hunter, battling stage four cancer, the eclipse held profound significance, symbolising a renewal of life's vitality. "It means a lot to me because I have stage four cancer, but I'm not giving up, this is a rebirth of the Sun of life," she shared with AFP.
Meanwhile, in Russellville, Arkansas, over 300 couples participated in the "A Total Eclipse of the Heart" mass wedding ceremony, exchanging vows amidst the celestial spectacle.
#Eclipse2024 Today beautiful images from different locations of the world. pic.twitter.com/ugkGchdRjN — Dr.Shaun???????? (@fiftysix56__) April 8, 2024
With the eclipse cutting across the nation, Delta Airlines organised two special flights along the path, catering to eager passengers seeking a unique vantage point. Many educational institutions within the eclipse zone suspended classes for the day to allow students and staff to witness the phenomenon firsthand.
Notable figures also found themselves intertwined with eclipse-related discussions. Former President Donald Trump, known for his unconventional behavior, famously disregarded safety precautions during the 2017 eclipse, opting to gaze directly at the sun. In a nod to this incident, current President Joe Biden humorously addressed his predecessor's actions in a social media post, advising against similar recklessness.
Health experts reiterated the importance of using certified eclipse glasses to safeguard against retinal damage, emphasising that only those within the path of totality could safely observe the eclipse without eye protection. For many across North America, the next opportunity to witness such a celestial event won't arise until 2044, making these fleeting moments all the more precious.
The Total Solar Eclipse wasn't just a spectacle for the public; it presented a unique opportunity for scientific exploration. NASA seized the moment by launching a series of sounding rockets before, during, and after the eclipse. These rockets were tasked with measuring the impact of the sudden darkness on the ionosphere, an upper layer of Earth's atmosphere crucial for long-distance radio communication.
Moments before the total eclipse in Dallas, TX taken with my iPhone pic.twitter.com/SSkkSIIvtB — Te????asLindsay™ (@TexasLindsay_) April 8, 2024
Moreover, the eclipse provided scientists with an invaluable chance to study the Sun's corona, the outer layer of its atmosphere typically concealed by the sun's blinding light. Despite some presence of high clouds, NASA heliophysicist Michael Kirk remarked on the visibility of the corona as the eclipse traversed through Dallas. This observation is significant as the corona plays a pivotal role in various aspects of space weather, affecting satellites and power grids, among other phenomena.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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