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Noah Shackelford[1]

Senior Noah Shackelford traveled with his family to St. Louis to observe the solar eclipse.

A complete solar eclipse is an experience that is indescribable. At my young age I am lucky enough to say I have seen two complete solar eclipses. The first one was in 2017, and my family went to watch it. The eclipse was so stunning that we all agreed to get together and see the next one  in 2024. It’s an event that is special in its rarity and impact. A reminder of the size of the universe and our small place in it. 

Solar eclipses happen when the moon passes in front of the sun. The sun is a lot bigger than the moon, but it is so far away that it appears the same size in the sky. Solar Eclipses can happen without totality, but the difference between ninety-nine percent and one hundred percent is everything. 

People in the United States were really excited to see the solar eclipse. Across the entire path of totality hotels were booked in preparation. On that day, me and my family had to drive an hour outside of St. Louis to a place called Centralia in Missouri. We were stuck in a twenty-five mile long traffic jam. Bumper to bumper. Not to mention there was a frenzy of solar eclipse tie ins with companies. Including solar eclipse donuts, and a solar eclipse drink at White Castle. 

The actual solar eclipse we viewed at a public park. The park was full of people with lawn chairs and blankets on the grass all glancing up at the sky with their eclipse glasses. As the sun disappeared behind the moon the air became cooler as the moon’s shadow passed over the planet. By the time of totality we were surrounded by a three hundred and sixty degree sunset – at least, it looked like that. Totality was an experience that can not be felt through seeing a photograph. Actually being there is beyond worth it. The sun became a black disc in the sky, surrounded by a halo of white fire. It is a sight that puts into perspective the smallness of humanity, while showing too how special of a time we are in where we get to see this magnificent site the universe has to offer.