Thinking back to this April when a solar eclipse graced much of the U.S., it sparked memories of eclipses from my own life that stand out in my memory. Surprisingly, only three come to mind: 1970, 2012, and 2017. The first one occurred during my childhood when I lived about 15 miles east of Pittsburgh. The next was experienced while I resided in Fallon, Nevada, and was in the path of the eclipse. The most recent event was the 2017 eclipse, which occurred when I lived on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that can partially or completely block out sunlight. There are three types of eclipses: total, partial, and annular. In a total eclipse, the moon entirely obscures the sun's disk, revealing its magnificent corona—a radiant halo of plasma. Partial eclipses happen when only a portion of the sun is covered by the moon's shadow, while annular eclipses occur when the moon blocks out the center of the sun's disk, creating a ring of light around it.
Solar eclipses happen less frequently than lunar eclipses, so you might only see a few in your lifetime. If you're lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, don't miss the chance to witness one.
When observing an eclipse, remember these safety tips:
- Use eye protection like viewing glasses or a solar filter for telescopes/binoculars. You can buy these glasses from Amazon. Make sure to get them to avoid any last-minute rush.
- Avoid looking at the sun during an eclipse, as it can cause severe eye damage.
- Use pinhole projectors as a safe and simple way to view the eclipse without risking direct exposure.
Looking back at the eclipse on March 7, 1970
The path of totality for this eclipse started in Mexico, crossed the Gulf of Mexico, and reached land in Florida. It then moved northeast across the United States through Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland before heading into the Atlantic Ocean.
Cities along this path experienced levels of totality—some enjoyed clear skies while others faced cloudy conditions. In Pittsburgh, we had 80% sun coverage. I recall that it was a day when the sun wasn't visible at all. Despite the clouds, the eclipse managed to dim the daylight and create an eerie twilight in the middle of the day. I remember my Dad and me playing basketball during the eclipse.
The Solar Eclipse of May 20, 2012
On May 20, 2012, people worldwide witnessed an annular solar eclipse. This rare event happens when the moon passes in front of the sun's center, forming a ring effect known as the "ring of fire." Millions were mesmerized as this celestial show unfolded across Asia parts of North America and over the Pacific Ocean.
The path of this eclipse started in China before moving eastward across Japan to the Pacific Ocean and finally reaching the western regions of the United States. Spanning around 13,600 kilometers (8,500 miles), this spectacle lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes.
During this eclipse, we lived outside Fallon, Nevada, a town in the path that offered a spot to view this extraordinary occurrence. Residents of Fallon saw 96% of the sun obscured by the moon, with the phase lasting approximately 4 minutes and 30 seconds, showcasing a captivating sight of the "ring of fire."
Our front yard served as our viewing spot for the eclipse, and our neighbors joined us to witness this spectacle. The shadows cast during the eclipse had a unique crescent shape. Although I thought I had taken some photos, my search was unsuccessful in locating them. As the moon gradually moved in front of the sun, dimming the sky and creating a twilight ambiance, it silenced birdsong and caused a slight drop in temperature, enhancing the surreal atmosphere.
The Great American Solar Eclipse of August 21, 2017
In August 2017, an event known as The Great American Solar Eclipse unfolded across the United States. This rare and captivating occurrence captured imaginations far and wide as observers watched spellbound while Earth’s natural satellite passed between our planet and its solar neighbor. From one coast to another coast across America, people gathered to witness this once-in-a-generation eclipse spanning across the contiguous United States after nearly four decades.
The path of totality refers to the strip where a total solar eclipse can be fully seen. During the eclipse on August 21, 2017, this path was 70 miles wide and extended from the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic coast. It began in Oregon and moved southeast through states like Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina before leaving the country.
I was at my workplace when this eclipse happened, and many of us took a break to witness it. Our location was outside the path of totality, so we only experienced a partial eclipse. The extent to which the moon covered the sun varied depending on where you were. At our location, the maximum coverage reached 92%, reaching its peak around 10:20 AM PDT.
The 2017 solar eclipse was significant because it marked the first time since 1918 that a total solar eclipse could be viewed from coast to coast across the United States, allowing millions of people to observe this rare event.
If you're in the United States, here are the next total solar eclipses that will be visible:
- August 23, 2044. Seen in Montana and North Dakota
- August 12, 2045. Observable from California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida
- March 30, 2052. Viewable in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina
- November 15, 2077. This can be witnessed in Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas
