(Students at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi watch the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 | @rcbearcats1866 via Instagram)
Los Angeles — Millions around the world gathered outside for a chance to view the natural cosmic phenomenon of a Solar Eclipse.
According to NASA, ‘’A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People located in the center of the Moon’s shadow when it hits Earth will experience a total eclipse. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.’’
The last time Earth experienced such an event was in 2021, which was only visible from Antarctica and before then in 1979. In 2017, Americans experienced a solar eclipse that was less visible or partial than the one today.
The next total eclipse is set to occur on Aug. 12, 2045.
Many events were held across the nation, especially in states that were in the path of totality, which is where the sun is most visible to view it darken for the eclipse. Those fortunate to reside or visit areas associated gathered to witness the eclipse in its total glory. Some people even got special flights by Delta Airlines to be in the air during the path of totality.
For this eclipse, CBS News reported that the totality lasted between 3.5 to four minutes depending on the area. ‘’In cities that experienced a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.’’
Pedro Morataya (@avatar_pedro), a CSULA Masters Student captured this image of the Solar Eclipse at Topanga Village Shopping Mall in Los Angeles, California (April 24, 2024).
Eclipse glasses were given out at these various events and even distributed for free by several retailers and at public libraries. Experts from NASA strongly emphasized the importance of viewing the eclipse with these special glasses to prevent solar radiation which can cause burning and possible eye damage which can include blindness.
In preparation for the eclipse, many tried to take into account the precautions for their eyesight and acquired the specialized eclipse glasses the fastest and most efficiently they could through online e-commerce retailers like Amazon. Unfortunately, some did not realize that such listings, specifically found in the states of Illinois and Missouri ended up being denounced and recalled due to ‘’potentially failing to meet safety standards,’’ as declared by The Illinois Department of Health, an issue that the New York Post detailed.
If you weren’t able to catch the event, you can catch many pictures online and on television from people who were in the path of totality. Other places such as college campuses and observatories have also held gatherings to celebrate the eclipse and to have communal viewings with rich information being provided. Places like Dallas, TX, Torreón, Mexico, and even Disney World, also had high totality.
Gen Z has grown up in a period where STEM or STEAM has taken over. Many are heavily interested in these cosmic phenomena, as well as astrology. Eclipses have also been the reason for traveling with many going out of their way to be in the path of totality. Lest we also forget the many memes that Gen Z has made over this amazing cosmic event.
As the world goes dark, our hearts shine bright as we await the next eclipse in 2045. May the moon crest the sun over a world in peace.
Zipporah Pruitt, (she/her) is an L.A. homegrown journalist, who covers entertainment and culture. Follow her on X and Instagram: @zippzapps.
Edited by Nykeya Woods