On April 8, 2024 there was a total solar eclipse that passed from coast to coast in North America. As a brand that sells crystal and zodiac designs, we are particularly interested in things that relate to Earth and to space.
We geared up for the total solar eclipse by:
- Learning more about eclipses
- Thinking about the best place to view the eclipse
- Exploring what it means to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
According to NASA, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. When this happens, the sky will completely darken. It will look like it's dawn or dusk outside when it's really mid-afternoon.
This most recently happened on April 8, 2024 and moved from Mexico, through the US, and into Canada throughout the day. NASA created a map that showed how the eclipse moved and at what time it was expected depending on where you live.
There are also safety measures that should be taken to view a solar eclipse. It is unsafe to view the eclipse with the naked eye. For the next total solar eclipse, you will want to get a pair of eclipse glasses or build a viewing box for the event. You can always reuse what you had for the 2024 eclipse! NASA has more in-depth safety guidelines that you should check out to prepare for the next eclipse.
How Does a Total Solar Eclipse Occur?
A total solar eclipse happens in five stages:
- Stage One. This first stage is characterized by a partial eclipse. This will last a little over an hour—the sun will take on a crescent shape as the moon begins to pass over it.
- Stage Two. This stage happens right before the point of totality. Long, dark bands that appear to be moving will shadow the ground and alongside buildings. These are called shadow bands.
- Stage Three. This stage happens in seconds and is very easy to miss. Baily's Beads will appear around the moon's edges as it moves across the sun.
- Stage Four. This stage is the indicator that totality is near. There will be a singular bright spot that appears along the moon's edge—called a Diamond ring because the bright spot resembles a diamond ring!
- Stage Five. This is the final stage where totality occurs. This only lasts a couple of minutes and the moon will be completely blocking the sun.
If you miss any of the stages leading up to totality, have no fear! They will repeat themselves in reverse order as the moon moves away from the sun.
Why is a Total Solar Eclipse Considered a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity?
Partial and total eclipses alone are not once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Granted, they usually have months and years in between their occurrences but it is possible to see more than one in a lifetime.
The 2024 total solar eclipse is particularly special because it traveled. Usually, an eclipse is confined to one area and you need to prepare and travel to see it. The total solar eclipse that happened on April 8, 2024 traveled from coast to coast in North America, which only happens every hundred-years or so.
Pretty exciting, right? Thinking about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity got us thinking about what that means and how to fully enjoy those experiences.
What Does a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity Mean?
It's not often that we get to know ahead of time that something is a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience. In the case of the total solar eclipse, we knew when it was happening and where it could be viewed. However, a lot of the time moments like these pass us by in an instant, and we forget to truly enjoy them.
The eclipse is a good reminder that we should be taking our time with these moments and embracing them. In your everyday life, pay attention to what's going on around you. Give your full attention to the people you love when you're with them. Say yes to things you may have been on-the-fence about.
It can be really easy to get wrapped up in the demands of everyday life. You might find yourself just going through the motions each day, willing each week to move faster. Try to take a step back and think about what experiences you have everyday. Take a different route to work, try that new lunch place that opened up near you, and commit more time to doing what makes you happening. You can't always plan for a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. A lot of the times, switching up your normal routines and saying yes when you would usually say no creates these opportunities for you.
Obviously, this is all easier said than done, but the eclipse might just be the perfect moment to start thinking about your life and what moments feel "once-in-a-lifetime" to you.
Time to Make Unforgettable Memories
We hope you were able to see the total solar eclipse and experience the special moment! Use this as a reminder to start making more unforgettable memories with the people you care about so you always have them to cherish.
If you really want to be festive during the eclipse, check out these designs for yourself or to share with friends:
| Moon & Stars Chroma | Moon & Stars Classic | Celestial Moonstone | Lunar Loop |
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