Last Monday parts of the world were able to witness a phenomenon that will not reoccur in the United States until 2044. The moon passed right between the Earth and the Sun to create a Solar Eclipse.
As the moon covers the sun it casts a shadow that blocks the sun’s light from casting on the Earth. In places where the moon fully covers the sun, the sky darkens as if it is dawn or dusk.
I was in Indianapolis during the eclipse and got to view it in its entirety. It was nothing short of amazing.
You have to look at the sun through protective glasses until the moon fully covers the sun. When the moon does fully cover the sun, there is a ring of light that surrounds the dark shadow.
The craziest part is the amount of light the sun can produce even when it is 95% covered. The second the sun was fully covered it was a sight I wish everyone would have the chance to see.
It is an ethereal experience. It feels like you are jumping around in time: one minute it is bright and sunny, the next it is practically dusk.
“Even if it was a little cloudy it was really cool to get to see something like that from just two steps in my backyard,” stated Ryah Abualrob, a junior at Blackman High School, when asked about her experience.
Zoos are very popular places to witness this phenomenon. Most animals are more active during the night. Being able to see how they react to the sudden darkness has interested many researchers on the behavior of animals.
I noticed how the crickets began singing their song as the light faded, but the birds and other animals went quiet.
It is very easy to get wrapped up in the technology of it all, by trying to get the perfect picture or video to capture the moment. Just by simply paying attention and living in the moment, it is a moment you will never forget.
“It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced” stated sophomore Abby Hooper.
The solar eclipse allows us to slow down and stop, even if it is just for a few minutes. It allows us to take in the beauty of the world we live in. Freezing those moments and being able to look back on them is something very special.
The solar eclipse is a reminder of the beauty of nature.
