Your Snapshots From The Solar Eclipse

The “mental snapshots” readers shared from the April 8 solar eclipse capture the joy, wonder, and surreality of the day.

On April 8, those in the path of the total solar eclipse were able to witness a rare moment of alignment between the sun and moon. I flew from New York to Texas to see totality, and all I’ll say is that it was sufficiently exquisite. Rain or shine, totality or partiality, I hope your experience was terrific, too.

All of the submissions to our eclipse memory snapshot form were absolutely delightful! Below, you’ll find a compilation of a few eclipse memories we received.


Eclipse totality and a 360 sunset over a white fence
Meg T. watched the eclipse with some of her friends of over 40 years. Credit: Harrison T.

My expectations were through the roof, but I was still not prepared for the magnificence of the time leading up to totality as the light faded and colors muted. I was a complete mess by the time totality began. I will never forget the day.

— Meg T., viewing from New Castle, IN


The birds which were chirping earlier seemed to have taken a refuge, and no cars were driving—all things went splendidly silent … Our two year old son—who was oblivious to the eclipse and the occurrence—understood the sudden and total darkness.

— Arpan, viewing from Waterford, VT


A woman wearing eclipse glasses leaning back in a lawn chair watching the eclipse.
Tom’s wife, Mary Jo, enjoying the eclipse. Credit: Tom M.

 

Just a sliver of sun seen, 94% coverage. Dogs barking and cooler.

— Tom M., viewing from Western Springs, IL


During totality someone mentioned the sunset all around. So I turned in all directions 360° and sure enough, the sun was setting in every direction.

— Kathy K., viewing from Galconda, IL


A family wearing eclipse glasses and looking up at the April 8 eclipse.
Viewing from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Jim D. described 85% totality as “almost in the pattern of a smile.” Credit: Jim D.

The most unusual thing I experienced was the light before totality. The shadows were weird, and it was like dusk, but completely different.

— Jenion T., viewing from Dallas, TX


A straight-on view of eclipse totality. A silver ring in a dark sky, with a flare of round light on the lower left part of the ring.
This photo was captured when totality passed over a remote alpine area near Durango, Mexico. Credit: Eric B.

This was an installment of our 2024 limited-run eclipse newsletter, “Moon Mail.” See the full “Moon Mail” archive here.

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About Emma Lee Gometz

Emma Lee Gometz is Science Friday’s Digital Producer of Engagement. She’s a writer and illustrator who loves drawing primates and tending to her coping mechanisms like G-d to the garden of Eden.

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