Dumbest possible reaction to solar eclipse as America plunges into darkness

Darkness swept North America in a rare spectacle that briefly banished daylight — and some people reacted in the silliest way imaginable.

Animals that witnessed the eclipse seemed confused. Picture: Supplied

Eclipse mania has swept North America as millions witnessed a rare solar eclipse briefly banish daylight.

The Moon’s shadow plunged the Pacific coast of Mexico into total darkness at 11.07am local time.

It then swept across the United States at supersonic speed before moving to the ocean over Canada’s Atlantic coast just under an hour and a half after landfall.

The partial solar eclipse is seen above the Statue of Freedom atop the dome of the U.S. Capitol Building. Picture: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/AFP

Festivals, viewing parties, and even mass weddings were planned along the eclipse’s “path of totality,” where the Moon could be seen completely obscuring the Sun for up to a few minutes – weather permitting.

Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, New York. Millions witnessed a rare solar eclipse in North America. Picture: ANGELA WEISS / AFP)

Cloud cover reportedly spoiled the party over parts of Texas.

Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador visited Sinaloa to witness first-hand the eclipse from the resort of Mazatlan, describing it as a “very beautiful, unforgettable day.”

Thousands gathered in Mexico City, just outside the path of totality.

“These are opportunities given by Earth and nature that we must seize,” 29-year-old artist Mariana Juarez told AFP.

Festivals, parties, and weddings were planned along the eclipse’s path. Picture: Charly Triballeau / AFP)

Animals at a zoo that witnessed the eclipse seemed confused. Picture: Supplied

This year’s path of totality was 185 kilometres wide, intersecting directly with roughly 32 million Americans, with an additional 150 million living less than 200 miles from the strip.

It will be two decades until the next total solar eclipse can be seen from a large part of North America, with the next expected in 2044.

Aussies will get their chance far sooner, with the next total solar eclipse to pass over parts of five states and territories, including Sydney, which has a population of over 5 million, in 2028.

This year's path of totality was 185 kilometres wide and home to nearly 32 million Americans, with an additional 150 million living less than 200 miles from the strip. Picture: ANGELA WEISS / AFP

‘Freaking nuts’

Businesses wasted no time capitalising on the eclipse with special events, while hotels and short-term rentals in prime viewing locations booked out months in advance.

At the Stonehenge II park in Ingram, Texas – a replica of the prehistoric arrangement of stones in England – eclipse watchers from across the globe gathered for the moment of totality.

People watching the eclipse were warned not to look directly at the Sun without special eye protection. This is because solar ultraviolet rays can cause eye damage.

Despite the warnings, there is evidence many people reacted to the eclipse in the silliest way possible — and stared directly at the Sun.

Google searches for “why do my eyes hurt” and “my eyes hurt” spiked in the United States following the event.

“Don’t look at the Sun. People proceed to look at the Sun,” one person joked in response.

Google searches for "my eyes hurt" spiked after the eclipse.

People look toward the sky at the 'Edge at Hudson Yards' observation deck during a total solar eclipse across North America, in New York City. Picture: Charly TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

A girl looks and points toward the sky as the moon begins to partially eclipse the sun in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua State, Mexico. The Moon’s shadow caused total darkness in Mexico’s Pacific coast. Picture: HERIKA MARTINEZ / AFP)

Jeni Lyn Hunter, 57, and her husband Charles Guillory, 60, had travelled from Floresville, Texas.

The couple identified as “pagans” and wore Merlin hats.

“It means a lot to me because I have stage four cancer, but I’m not giving up; this is a rebirth of the Sun of life,” Hunter told AFP.

And in Russellville, Arkansas, more than 300 couples were reportedly set to exchange vows at “A Total Eclipse of the Heart” mass wedding ceremony.

Delta Airlines has planned two special flights along the path, while many schools in the zone also shut down for the day.

People gather at the 'Edge at Hudson Yards' observation deck to watch the total solar eclipse moving across New York City. Business capitalised on the event with special events and bookings. Picture: Charly Triballeau / AFP

Breathtaking visuals of Total Solar eclipse from International Space station passing over Houston, Dallas Texas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Niagara Falls!

It's happening, Wow! #Eclipse2024pic.twitter.com/cewCtEON8K

— Vishal Verma (@VishalVerma_9) April 8, 2024

Scientific windfall

NASA planned to launch a trio of sounding rockets before, during and just after the eclipse to measure changes caused by the sudden darkness to the ionosphere, an upper layer of the atmosphere integral to long-distance radio communication.

The eclipse also offered a golden opportunity to study the Sun’s corona, the outer layer of its atmosphere, which is normally hidden by the blinding light of the surface but has an outsized impact on everything from satellites to power grids.

“There’s a few high clouds, but the beauty of the corona is clearly visible,” NASA heliophysicist Michael Kirk said as the eclipse passed through Dallas.

NASA launched rockets to measure changes caused by sudden darkness to the ionosphere. Picture: Frederic J. Brown / AFP

The eclipse offered a golden opportunity to study the Sun’s corona. Picture: Ronda Churchill / AFP

“You can see that spiky structure just poking out – It is heart-stopping beautiful.”

He was thrilled that the Sun was near the peak of its 11-year cycle, resulting in an asymmetric corona, AFP reported.

The rugged lunar topography revealed itself as the eclipse unfolded in a stunning “diamond ring” effect, while planets like Venus and Jupiter briefly appeared in the sky.

Startling animal behaviour has been noted during past eclipses — roosters can crow as the darkness ends, believing it is dawn.

In humans, eclipses are thought to trigger feelings of awe as we confront our place within the vast cosmic order.

Individuals exhibit more “prosocial” feelings towards each other after the shared experience.

Originally published as Dumbest possible reaction to solar eclipse as America plunges into darkness