Why people get so excited about a total solar eclipse

How solar and lunar eclipses work.

Note: This is an update of a video we published in 2015.

In this video we explain the differences between a solar and lunar eclipse and why some believe that a total eclipse of the sun is the greatest natural phenomenon of them all.

Total solar eclipses are a big deal not because of how infrequent they are — there’s a total solar eclipse every 18 months on average — but because of how little of the Earth’s surface falls in the path of any given eclipse shadow.

The next total solar eclipse to visit the US will be in 2024. If an eclipse happens to come to your town, you’re lucky. Any given location will see a total solar eclipse only once in more than 300 years, on average. The vast majority of us will have to travel to an eclipse path if we want to see a total eclipse in our lifetimes.

The next solar eclipse over the United States will be in 2024.

After that? 2045. Then 2052, 2078, and, if you’re truly blessed with longevity, a great one over Maine in 2079.

Sources:
Getty Images

[Vox]

On Tuesday, July 2, 2019, Chile and Argentina will experience a total solar eclipse at sunset.

[TheEpicImpaler]

Imagine living in an ancient civilization without astronomy, and then an eclipse goes down in front of you. Must've been scary af.

[pittlebelge]

So, in 1999 I was 14 and in the middle of nowhere with my dad near the France-Belgium border as we found a quiet spot to look at the eclipse. What struck me the most was the ambient light as the moon progressively blocked the the sun. It was dimmer and dimmer and... whiter, and the nature went silent, no noises from birds or insects, everything went shush as the sun dimmed, the world was just not the same. It was eerie.

The memory still gives me the shivers. If you have the opportunity, don't miss it.

[obihieleuchendu]

from 4:13, the sudden burst of light (diamond ring effect) together with the Crowd reaction was epic, sends chills down my spine.

[keithberry]

Vox: Corona

Everyone: They said it! They said the thing!

[vulsvmh]

"Our moon is getting farther away."

Don't worry moon, we don't blame you.

[crashbandicootnerd]

I just finished watching one, here in the future. It was the most awesome thing I've ever seen in my 24 years of living. Seriously.

[friendlyneighborhoodgoat]

“All over the galaxy rocks are casting shadows on other rocks. But only here as far as we know is there someone to notice them.” 🌌☄️

[anniebeardmore]

It was so cool listening to everyone scream in excitement at the total solar eclipse

[aaaamuffin]

That's it. The day of Black Sun. That's when we'll invade the fire nation. We need to get this information to the Earth Kingdom.

[lxverdant]

People: Oh cool I can't wait to see the solar eclipse!


Clouds: lmao nope

[MegaFPVFlyer]

As a total space nut, this video is awesome! Beautifully explained, with no details spared!

[Todomo]

i was a 30 minute drive from the totality zone and my parents didn’t want to bother driving me there so i missed out :D kill me please

[radiostation]

I was right in the line of totality. It was the coolest thing I've ever seen.

[andyanon]

I can't think of any bright puns.

[rebeccab]

My dad and I will be road tripping to see this upcoming one in August. We have been planning this (getting hotels and other reservations) for 2-3 years now and he has been waiting for this solar eclipse since he was 17 years old (he's 63 now). We're both huge nerds and we can't wait to see it!!

[mattintriago]

I was born during the 1999 solar eclipse so that's cool

[patrickm]

Who's ready to accidentally stare at it and never be able to see for the rest of their life✋🏻

[ziodres]

July 2nd, La Serena, Chile. Can't wait for it.

[howardbaxter]

I was in South Carolina with my Grandfather last week during the solar eclipse. It was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. Totality is definitely something everyone should add to their bucket list.