On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America was treated to a unique celestial event – an eclipse of the sun. Most of North America experienced a partial eclipse but there was a small band of locations (the path of totality) that experienced one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights – a total solar eclipse.
I was so fortunate to see the total eclipse in Guernsey, WY and I must say the whole experience was surreal. It was a beautiful and clear day and no words can describe the feeling when we were plunged into darkness as the sun disappeared behind the moon. I feel blessed to have experienced this once in a lifetime event.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks all or part of the sun for up to about three hours. Solar eclipses will be visible at some place on earth 2 to 5 times a year but it can take up to 375 years for a total solar eclipse to happen again at the same location (or path of totality).
The next total eclipse in North America will be in April 2024, but it will not be visible from nearly as many US locations as it was this year.