The LAST Eclipse in History

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We are in the Golden Age of Solar Eclipses, but only for the moment. In fact, I'd argue we're already past peak solar eclipse and it's all downhill from here.

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[ragnkja]

Having seen 95%ish partial eclipse, I can attest that the sky _absolutely_ gets dark in that weird way where it’s dark like at dusk or dawn but the light is still blue-dominated instead of the reddish hues of sunrise and sunset. The best comparison I’ve heard for it was a “day for night” filter, except in real life.

[khazza]

I would argue that now IS the golden age for solar eclipses!

52% annular vs 48% full implies to me that the average distance of eclipses (or the Earth-to-moon vs Earth-to-sun distance ratio) is just right for the moon to cover the sun but not the corona.

The moon being closer would of course give us more full eclipses, but a moon too close that it also blocks hide the corona would also be disappointing

[Skip]

I really wish the media did a better job at explaining to the general public about the difference between a total and annular eclipse, and also that the path of totality is narrow. I went down to St Louis for the 2018 eclipse and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, but then I had a lot of conversations with people afterwards who were not at totality like “I don’t see what the big deal was”

[otsokivivuori]

One weird consequence of even partial solar eclipses for a very niche group of people is that thermal air currents get weaker. One time at a gliding competition the comp meteorologist casually mentioned during morning briefing that the day was going to have a partial solar eclipse (maybe around 50%, cant remember exactly) and to watch out for weaker thermals. I didn't fly, I was there as an assistant, but when the pilots came back from their flights they did say it was a noticeable drop in performance.

[sleepy]

I hold such a grudge against my school for forcing us to stay inside during the total solar eclipse. I was in a room with a window facing a wall so there was no way to see it... the school had essentially banned us from looking because you're technically not meant to look at the sun. What made it more frustrating is that a couple younger classes teachers got those special glasses for everyone so they all got to see it while we didn't, there was a couple extra so two people from my class with special needs were let to see it too (which I mean, I get they have a hard time but still feels really unfair). I was so pissed off that all of my family, thousands if not millions of people and kids in my school too young to even remember it were all going on about how amazing it was while I was forced to just... stare at a wall. I don't think I'll ever get the chance to see one again, my school and teachers robbed me of a once in a lifetime experience :(

Edit: I won't be able to travel to see it, I'm in Scotland so a trip to America would be quite far. I'm in uni at the moment so I don't have much money and I'm busy basically all year, I can't really travel much at all except for a week or two in the summer with my family.

[Ryan.Matlock]

I was skeptical of how cool seeing a total solar eclipse would be until I actually saw one. It wasn't mystical or spiritual or anything, but it was a singularly interesting and unusual experience. If you have the opportunity, definitely go see it!

[williamwilson]

I watched the total eclipse of 2017 while sitting on my motorcycle in a hotel parking lot at Grand Island, Nebraska.

Can’t describe the feelings accurately in words…I was in complete awe. Seeing the corona was spectacular.

Hope to see the next one in April.

[unnamedweirdo]

I live in Southern Illinois where we were in the point of longest duration for the eclipse in Augus 2017 and will be experiencing totality again this april. We are incredibly lucky to experience this phenomenon twice within such short period of time.

[shrekwizowskee]

No way. The line of totality of that april 8th solar eclipse goes RIGHT BY my home town. I could definitly go see it, especially seeing that the next one that is even close to being that close to me is in 2106

[TheHonoredSoldier]

Was just watching some of your other videos. You have inspired me to consider becoming a physicist as a career. Thank you for doing what you do!!!

[miguelinileugim]

Petition to put boosters on the Moon for no particular reason.

[pamelas]

59 years old, and this is the first time I understand what an eclipse is! Thank you!

[yeldarb]

Checking in from the 2024 American Eclipse. I bought eclipse glasses, solar filters, and a telescope (with a filter) leading up to it. Drove over 1000 miles to reach a clear spot in totality. I don’t think I’ll ever see anything more impressive than that eclipse in my life. No photo does it justice.

[Welowas]

Next total solar eclipse in Germany is in 2084, I don't think I wanna wait that long so I already booked a plane to Canada to view this next total solar eclipse you mentioned! :)

[soulsbourne]

Dont be sad. A billion years from now, you should be more worried about sun's helium burning red giant phase evaporating oceans than the solar eclipse ...

[virakchhang]

Just got back from a 800 mile journey by car to see the total eclipse. Worth it.

[Davtwan]

I once experienced being near an almost total eclipse. Everything looked like it had static. When I stepped outside, it was like the world had a CRT filter. Bizarre.

[Painter]

I got to see the eclipse in person this year! It was beautiful!

[krussiadad]

I can attest to the statement that the difference between 99% and 100% totality is literally the difference between day and night. Having seen the totality for 2.5 minutes, it is ethereally beautiful! I encourage you to see it once in your life!

[batterie]

Love the art in this one ♡ the eclipse drawings are so cool. So glad minutephysics is back