Reflections on the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse cast its shadow on North America, with millions of people captivated by this rare spectacle. This event proved to not only be remarkable because it was a rare celestial event, but also because of how it brought people together and inspired so many of us. Samuel and Lewnanny from Nature NB shared their perspectives on what they saw and felt that day, from Bouctouche and Neguac, respectively.
Lewnanny
“Three years ago I came across a video on YouTube explaining that there would be an eclipse on April 8, 2024, and I became fascinated with eclipses.”
Remembering a partial eclipse that he had seen in 1980, Lewnanny recalls wearing his father’s welding goggles to watch it. But now, after learning more about eclipses, he knows that the total eclipses are really the ones to watch out for.
“In watching these videos for three or four years, I learned that we were going to have an eclipse here. I told my friends and family that on that day they shouldn’t work, they should take the day off, because it would really be worth it.”
He says that what really stands out to most people is just the eclipse itself, and not what happens in the world around us. “I was interested in learning more about that, about how everyone sees unique things in their immediate area during an eclipse.”
Lewnanny talked to his nature club to prepare for the event and make a plan. Université de Moncton, Shippagan Campus, organized an event at the school La Fontaine de Neguac, while some other folks went to Île-Aux-Foins Park. “I told my group to be there for 2:45pm to be sure not to miss anything (totality was at about 4:30pm).”
Lewnanny cites a few YouTube videos as being his main source of inspiration when it comes to eclipses, watching videos from Neil DeGrasse Tyson and SmarterEveryDay to learn more. Unlike some of the cool things pointed out in those videos though, there were no bees or tree frogs for us to watch and listen for during the eclipse here.
Currently, the Moon is slowly moving away from Earth, so right now we are really in the ideal conditions for viewing a total eclipse. The Moon is 400 times smaller than the Sun, and is also 400 times closer than the Sun, making the viewing opportunities perfect. But in another 10,000 years, even 1,000 years, it may not be possible anymore; not like it is today.
That’s why so many astronomers said “Make sure you go see this eclipse!” A lot of people may not understand the significance of this event.
Samuel
To pick up where Lewnanny left off, I’m not an expert in human nature, but that’s what defined the 2024 eclipse for me.
Lots of people prepared for the arrival of the eclipse, awaiting this profound moment that was to come. This level of anticipation and excitement is unique to our species, and sets us apart by our ability not only to engage with celestial phenomena, but also to be profoundly moved by them. Unlike animals, whose behaviour is dictated by instinct, humans are motivated by excitement and curiosity, which drives us to seek out extraordinary moments like this.
Getting to the path of totality, even amidst all the traffic, was worth it to be able to experience nighttime during the day. I certainly had the feeling that I might miss it with all the traffic present on Route 11 leading up to Bouctouche. But I managed to secure a spot and see it with some friends.
While the eclipse itself may not have lived up to all of my expectations, it served as a poignant reminder of the everyday wonders we often overlook. More than just a sense of insignificance, it highlighted our capacity for something greater – our ability to care deeply about and be acutely aware of the world around us through mindfulness and deliberate actions.
Not only does strengthening our relationship with the Earth make us better caretakers of the planet, it also makes us better caretakers of each other.
So getting back to solar eclipses, with this one being the only one I’ve seen, I don’t feel the need to see the “nighttime during the day” again. For me, sunsets are equally as impressive, even though we see them every day.
Let me put it this way: what really counts for me are the memories we make and choose to hold dear. Our greatest power is our ability to decide where we focus our attention, so let’s not waste that gift.
