Totality 2017: Missed the eclipse? We got you covered
If you live in the US, you probably caught at least a glimpse of the total solar eclipse that just ended. However, in today's hyper-documented world, there's no reason the rest of us should miss out on the grand spectacle.
Nicknamed 'Totality' – because everything needs a Hollywood-esqe title, the August 21 total solar eclipse was visible across a narrow trail across 14 US states, all the way from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina on Monday afternoon. However, a partial eclipse could be seen across the Americas, and even in parts of Africa and Europe.
This is the first time the U.S. mainland experienced a total solar eclipse since 1979, but then also only five states in the northwest experienced total darkness. In New York, the moon began to put the sun in shade at 1:23 PM. The eclipse peaked with the moon covering 71% of the sun’s surface at 2:44 PM, but this lasted for just two and half minutes. This is the first time the U.S. mainland experienced a total solar eclipse since 1979. However, the 1979 eclipse was experienced by far fewer states.
Millions of skygazers flocked to viewing areas to grab a glimpse of this opportunity and also shared special glasses with each other to prevent damage to their eyes. Even the White House was feeling the excitement. President Donald Trump, his wife Melania, and their son Barron walked onto the Truman balcony to watch the eclipse wearing eclipse-safe glasses.
The next total solar eclipse in U.S will be in 2024 and the next coast-to-coast one will not be until 2045. If you weren’t able to catch it, here are some amazing pictures of Totality.
