The solar eclipse is history. Previous solar events haven’t gotten all the media attention as the recent eclipse. This one got a lot of media attention because it transversed the entire United States.
My previous solar eclipse experiences came to mind—recalling my dad checking The Old Farmer’s Almanac for information, watching it as a child through a pin hole is a cardboard box, and seeing the unique shadow patterns flutter on the ground. I didn’t expect anything different from the August 21st one. I think we were the only ones in the county without the protective viewing glasses.
The day turned out different than I anticipated.
Here are my five observations from the recent solar eclipse.
- God provided what I needed. I had a scheduled optometrist appointment that morning, anticipating getting a stronger prescription for my lenses. After the exam, the doctor said my eyes had slightly improved in some ways in spite of an autoimmune condition. However, I still need new lenses. Before I left her office, I asked if she had any eclipse glasses. She did and gave me a pair. God planned the eye appointment on that day and provided the necessary protection for my eyes. Now I could participate in the grand event!
- Praise to God was spontaneous. At my first view of the moon taking a bite out of the sun, I praised God for his sovereignty over creation.
The mystery of the Creator overwhelmed me with praise as I considered how He formed the world with the perfect balance between the sun, moon, and earth. Scientists gathered new data about the sun’s atmosphere in an attempt to discover why the corona is hotter than the surface of the sun. Truly, the heavens declare the glory of the sovereign God!
- The darkness did not overcome the light. Because I wasn’t in the “Path of Totality,” a lot of light remained; the sun was dimmer with a kind of a pre-dusk twilight in the early afternoon. I felt a bit disappointed, expecting more darkness from being in the 91% zone of the penumbra moon shadow. It was more like the sun on an overcast day. The temperature dropped a few degrees as the moon covered the great light. I recalled Jesus as the Light of the world.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 NIV
Even with only 9% light, the darkness was barely noticeable. Those who traveled to the path of total darkness saw the sun go dark, but it didn’t stay covered for very long. The light returned with great brightness.
The eclipse brought people together.
- The eclipse united people. When everyone’s eyes were on the sky, people were united through experiencing a common event. As I watched from my backyard, I noticed my neighbor also looking to the sky with her sunglasses. I offered my eclipse glasses to her and her mom. They viewed the peak of the eclipse, responding with “Oh wow!” This was the first time I had any conversation with them. As in many neighborhoods, we see each other come and go without taking the time to visit. The eclipse provided the opportunity for more connection between us. The television coverage showed throngs of people celebrating and watching together. Divisions ceased for a time. Oh wow!
- People will look forward to the next eclipse. Although this one and its hype passed, it remains a pleasant memory whether folks traveled to see the totality of darkness or watched it from backyards. How can it be a “once in a lifetime event” when the next total solar eclipse across the United States will be only 7 years from now?
NASA has gathered date to keep them busy until then.
https://youtu.be/nheFJhANgy0
I’m looking forward to the next grand event on April 8, 2024, without an optometrist appointment. It’ll be my birthday!
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