Well, today’s the big day! It’s the total eclipse of the sun! Almost . . . depending on where you live. Where I am in Minnesota we should get about an 80% eclipse when the shadow of the moon passes in front of the sun assuming, of course, there is some sun. Word on the street though, is that the real eclipse around here is going to come in the form of clouds.
I was in grade school when I experienced my first solar eclipse. What I remember from that day is this, “DON’T LOOK AT THE SUN! YOU’LL GO BLIND!” I spent the whole day walking around looking at the pavement scared to death of my impending blindness. I guess the good news here is the warning worked. I didn’t go blind!
There was another eclipse when I was in high school. By then they’d figured out we could see the eclipse using a pinhole camera made from cardboard. But the dire warning from the 60’s stuck with me and I was still afraid.
I’m actually kind of excited to see the eclipse this time. Our local library is having an eclipse party and has glasses that make it safe for people to view the eclipse. And, in the event of rain they’re going to live stream the total eclipse from NASA. I just hope someone reminds the kids not to look at the sun without the eclipse safe glasses on! We don’t want them to go blind, after all! Maybe the library will have some sort of pavement games: hopscotch, 4-square and maybe Twister. Do kids still play those games?
This is the first time since 1918 that a total solar eclipse stretched across the United States from the west coast to the east coast. It you want to see what it’s going to look like in your area (or your mom’s, brother’s or friend’s area) check out this website. It’s pretty cool.
If you miss today’s eclipse and you can hang around until April 8, 2024, you’ll have another chance to see a total eclipse. You’ll have to be willing to travel to somewhere between Texas and Maine, however. I’m already looking into accommodations for that one!
I think it’s fascinating and incredible that scientists can predict down to the day and minute when and where a solar eclipse will happen. How they do that is a mystery to me but I’m glad they’ve got it figured out. God did an amazing job of creating this earth we get to live on and events like this just make it more fun. I hope you get to see today’s eclipse!
“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” Psalm 19:1
I, too, am excited to experience this supernatural event in our northern hemisphere. In fact I’m wondering “if” there is something more than “meets the eye” that will be revealed. Hmmmm.? In any event…it’s a special day. And you zeroed in on the key …”The heavens declare the glory of God!”????