Photo by Adam Smith on unsplash
Prior to 2017, the last total eclipse of the Sun to pass over the United States took place in 1991. The state was Hawai’i. I flew to the Big Island to see it, thinking that if I was clouded out, the worst-case scenario had me stuck—in Hawai’i. No downside here. The result was an unexpected large dose of endorphins. I was hooked. Later I traveled to Antigua, Argentina, Chile, Mongolia, Romania, Turkey, (and Missouri!) just for the chance of seeing another total eclipse. Usually, I dodged rain and was successful. I cannot put into words why I made these peregrinations. I suspect that the answer is different for every ‘eclipse junkie.’ If you saw, for instance, the 2017 solar eclipse, you know what I am talking about. 200 million people (80 percent of all American adults) did so, in person or via electronic media. The rest of you will not have to wait long: By great coincidence, another transcontinental total solar eclipse will occur in 2024.