Tucson Standard

Millions of individuals are preparing to witness the "Great American Eclipse" on April 8, 2024. This will be the last total solar eclipse visible from North America for the next two decades. The path of totality stretches from Texas to Maine.

Don McCarthy, a retired professor and astronomer at the University of Arizona Steward Observatory, shared insights into the cultural connections of solar eclipses throughout history with University of Arizona News. He discussed their significance and why experiencing an eclipse in the path of totality is a "whole-body experience."

McCarthy noted that even with modern scientific understanding, eclipses still captivate people much like they did thousands of years ago. Authorities are taking precautions by shutting down schools and transportation systems due to concerns about traffic accidents and eye injuries during the event.

Reflecting on his experiences witnessing several total solar eclipses, McCarthy described them as a unique sensory phenomenon. He mentioned changes such as temperature drops and animals reacting to the sudden darkness.

Discussing the historical context, McCarthy highlighted how ancient cultures viewed eclipses. For instance, in ancient China, astronomers faced severe consequences if they failed to predict an eclipse accurately.

Eclipses occur in 18-year intervals known as saros cycles. These cycles have helped historians date events when written records were not available but descriptions existed.

Solar eclipses continue to hold scientific importance today. Galileo Galilei observed Jupiter's moons casting shadows on its surface during such events. Each eclipse offers opportunities for new discoveries; for example, helium was discovered during an eclipse in 1868.

During this upcoming eclipse, observers may notice enhanced visibility of certain solar structures due to increased sunspot activity.

For those viewing a partial eclipse in Arizona, McCarthy advised observing shadow changes caused by the moon's movement across the sun.

Looking ahead millions of years into Earth's future, he explained that solar eclipses will cease because the moon is moving away from Earth.

Finally, McCarthy offered advice for those pursuing eclipse-viewing experiences: "Make sure you're going to see relatives...so the eclipse is icing on the cake."