The Total Solar Eclipse 2024

Somehow, I got the message that I wouldn't be able to see the total solar eclipse unless I were on the path of totality. As a result, I didn't get the special glasses, so I'm inside, watching to see what happens during a total eclipse that is not a total eclipse where I am. I feel a bit foolish to have misunderstood this so totally. Then again, I didn't pay much attention until last week. Hopefully, I'll be here in 20 years with the requisite glasses.

Two of my kids are in Buffalo for the event. They've been there a few days, having a blast, but I have a picture in my mind that is a blend of Woodstock and that party scene on the roof in the movie Independence Day. I haven't shared that with them because I'm sure I would get a well-deserved "Thanks, Mom." Meanwhile, there as been the usual media hype about everything that can go wrong - who wants to read good news, right - so I'm sure they're prepared.

According to NASA, when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun today, depending upon where you're located, it will seem as if it were dawn or darkest night. I may not have my glasses, but I'm standing by to document the changes in the visible light as the event progresses.

It all turned out better than I anticipated, with a watch party on my street and glasses shared all around. We're going to meet up in 20 years for the next one. Meanwhile, here's more on the Total Solar Eclipse 2024

And - per the news sites, our Next calamity is already in the making in the form of Trillions of Cicadas. I've experienced cicada "invasions" twice, so I'm happy to see that this one is going to skip my area.