On April 8, 2024, a spectacular and rare celestial event is set to unfold over Canada, the United States and Mexico – a total solar eclipse. As the Moon aligns perfectly between Earth and the Sun, temporary darkness will sweep across parts of the country, captivating countless spectators.
I was in an area with 99.8% totality in the 2017 eclipse and all of that happened.
Everyone I know who went to a 100% location described everything you did as the reason for going, but gets annoyed when I explain I experienced literally the exact same thing.
Is it really that much of a difference?
Yes. In totality, you can safely stare at a black hole of a Sun for 2-3 minutes on end, no glasses required, and marvel at the fine details of the corona and the intense red-pink light of the chromosphere. You get to experience a profound bone-chilling realization that we are on a literal rock hurtling through space.
Yeah, that all happened in 99.8% too, so what did I miss?
I doubt you saw all that for 2-3 minutes, but if you’re happy with what you saw then that’s all that matters, really. Enjoy April 8th and clear skies!
❤️
I have not seen a total one since i was a small kid, so I can’t really say… Totality will have these things last longer, but I’m sure there is no clear-cut difference.