On April 8, parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada experienced a total solar eclipse. This rare astronomical event happens when the Sun, Moon and Earth are perfectly aligned. When this happens, the Moon covers the Sun completely, casting its shadow on the Earth. The event is extremely rare: Americans who witnessed this solar eclipse will see the next one in 2044.

The eclipse was the astronomical event of the year. News channels covered it live, recording the reactions of observers as the Moon’s shadow travelled from Mexico, across 15 US States, and all the way to Canada’s province of Quebec.

Darkness fell quickly, and the horizon glowed all around in what is called a 360° sunset. The Sun appeared like a dark star, a black disc ringed by its blazing corona, the Sun’s bright outer atmosphere. Temperatures dropped by as much as 5° C, and the local weather patterns, such as the wind, were briefly disrupted. Even plants and animals reacted, behaving as if night had fallen: flowers began to close, diurnal animals looked for shelter, and nocturnal animals awoke.

Humans were also affected, in a positive way. People gasped and cheered in awe when the Moon completely covered the Sun and darkness fell. It is known that experiencing a total solar eclipse can evoke feelings of joy and wonder, and a sense of insignificance but also of deep connection with the cosmos.

Unfortunately, the most irresponsible onlookers had some unwelcome physical side effects. Shortly after the eclipse, Google Trends noted a spike in searches relating to eye injuries. If you happen to witness a solar eclipse, remember that you need to protect your eyes, not just with normal shades but with specially designed solar sunglasses!

(Carlo Dellonte
(Image: Joseph Gruber, shutterstock)