Over five thousand years ago, the first recorded solar eclipse took place in County Meath, Ireland. Since then, many astronomers have dedicated their lives to recording and later photographing this phenomenon across the globe. Along with keeping records, civilizations worldwide have associated the eclipse with various spiritual occurrences. For instance, the Navajo believe the eclipse to be a solemn time of rebirth and union between the sun and the moon. Some Christian denominations, on the other hand, have at times in the past viewed the eclipse as a sign of impending doom from the wrath of God. Today, significant scientific advancements have greatly shifted widespread views surrounding the eclipse. However, religious values remain in this celestial spectacle. On April 8, 2024, for only the second time in over one hundred years, the path of totality (the region of the earth for a given eclipse in which the moon completely obstructs the sun from the point of the viewer) passed over much of the continental US from Texas to Maine. Ithaca, near the path, experienced 98.8 percent totality, but many Ithacans were fortunate enough to drive an hour or two north to the complete path of totality. The 2017 eclipse, although also partially visible in Ithaca, had a path of totality much farther away, and a maximum totality duration of around two minutes and forty seconds. The 2024 eclipse, a far rarer experience, lasted over four minutes in many locations. Unfortunately, these four minutes were cloudy for many in the Northeast, but the plunge into darkness was nonetheless a truly remarkable experience. Sage Golden ’26 viewed the 2017 partial eclipse and experienced totality this year in clouds. He said, “just that experience of it getting totally dark is insane.” Many others agree, with reports of eclipses being life-changing experiences.
Unfortunately, New York won’t see another eclipse until 2079, however, there are others across the globe in coming years. Eclipses happen somewhere on Earth an average of every eighteen months, and thousands of people, known as eclipse chasers, dedicate their lives to following this fantastic scientific event. The next total solar eclipse this fall, while largely over the Pacific, will also be visible in parts of Chile and Argentina. In the US, the nearest one will occur in 2044 around the Dakotas. Even if these eclipses are not easy to travel to, there will be more in other parts of the globe for those determined to have this unique experience.