On Monday, a total solar eclipse will take place in North America, with the path of totality crossing over multiple U.S. states and ending in Canada. Eclipse enthusiasts, known as umbraphiles, have been planning for this event for months, booking accommodations and following weather reports closely. The author reflects on their own experience with eclipses, from learning about the potential danger of looking directly at an eclipse in sixth grade to witnessing the 2017 eclipse in Manhattan. This time around, they are approaching the eclipse with a desire to understand its significance and be part of the community that forms around big events.
The author speaks with friends who are umbraphiles, traveling to a location in the Adirondacks to witness the eclipse. They describe the surreal moments leading up to the eclipse, when the world gets colder and quieter, triggering a sense of awe and wonder. One friend expresses the hope of feeling a sense of their own insignificance in the face of such a vast celestial event, akin to the experience astronauts have when viewing Earth from space. The rarity of a total solar eclipse, occurring without the need for elaborate stagecraft or human intervention, adds to its appeal.
The author reflects on the communal nature of modern-day enthusiasms, which are often centered around human-made events like award shows and sporting events. In contrast, a total solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that happens without human intervention, making it a rare occurrence. The author’s friend Ali expresses a desire to leave the eclipse with a deep sense of acceptance of the things we cannot control and an appreciation for the beauty in things beyond our control. The author acknowledges the significance of experiencing such events and sharing in the wonder and awe they inspire.
The author delves into the anticipation and excitement surrounding the eclipse, highlighting the sense of wonder and spiritual connection that many people experience during such events. They reference Annie Dillard’s vivid account of witnessing the 1979 eclipse to capture the ethereal and transformative nature of the phenomenon. The author’s friend Ali conveys a desire to experience a similar sense of awe and connection to something greater than themselves, emphasizing the beauty in things that are beyond human control.
In a culture saturated with human-made events and news cycles, the author contemplates the significance of a natural event like a total solar eclipse. They question the motivations behind the widespread interest and conversation surrounding the eclipse, pondering whether it is a genuine appreciation for the beauty of natural occurrences or simply a product of the need to constantly engage with trending topics. Despite their initial cynicism, the author ultimately embraces the opportunity to witness and participate in the shared excitement of the eclipse, recognizing the rare and transcendent nature of such events.
In conclusion, the author acknowledges the transformative power of natural events like a total solar eclipse, which offer a unique opportunity to connect with the wonders of the universe. The eclipse serves as a reminder of the beauty and mystery of the natural world, bringing people together in shared awe and appreciation for the spectacle. As umbraphiles and casual observers alike prepare to witness the eclipse, they do so with a sense of anticipation and reverence for the celestial phenomenon unfolding before them.
