Millions of people across the Americas gathered to witness a rare “ring of fire” eclipse of the sun. The event brought excitement and awe as the moon moved into place, creating crescent-shaped shadows on the ground. In Albuquerque, the celestial event coincided with an international balloon fiesta, where spectators had the double delight of witnessing balloons taking off during a mass ascension shortly after dawn and then the eclipse just hours later. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon did not completely cover the sun, leaving a bright, blazing border. The eclipse’s path encompassed several US states, Mexico, and various countries in Central and South America.
In Mexico, people flocked to the planetarium in Cancun to watch the eclipse. As excited children whistled, some adults raised their arms towards the sky. Pilar Cáceres, a retired elementary school teacher, reflected on the Maya civilization’s view of eclipses, noting that some Maya people considered them a curse. Archeologist Arturo Montero suggested that the Maya may have used dark volcanic glass to protect their eyes during such events. In the US, enthusiasts traveled to remote corners of the country to witness the eclipse, such as Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah. For many in attendance, the experience was described as a “lifetime experience” and something that “unites us all.”
The article also highlights the mixed emotions experienced by small towns and cities along the eclipse’s path. There was a combination of excitement, worry about the weather, and concerns about being overwhelmed by visitors. Some locations, like Eugene, Oregon, experienced disappointment as the eclipse was intermittently visible due to cloud cover. Despite this, viewers like Koren Marsh, who made the trip to witness the event for her 16th birthday, regarded it as worth it. The article concludes by mentioning future solar eclipse events, including a total solar eclipse in April that will cross the US and a ring of fire eclipse in October next year at the southernmost tip of South America.
In summary, the “ring of fire” eclipse captivated millions of people across the Americas, bringing excitement, awe, and a sense of unity among spectators. The event coincided with an international balloon fiesta in Albuquerque, providing double delight for attendees. The Maya civilization’s view on eclipses and the protection measures they might have used were discussed. Enthusiasts traveled to various locations, such as Bryce Canyon National Park, to witness the eclipse, while small towns and cities along the path experienced a mix of emotions. Despite some disappointment caused by cloud cover, viewers still appreciated the event. The article concludes by highlighting future solar eclipse events and their dates.
