Hailed as one of the most well-prepared and anticipated solar eclipses of the 21st century, the Great North American Eclipse became a global phenomenon that had everyone eagerly awaiting its arrival.
“It was a beautiful phenomenon,” shared one Twitter user from Texas who was lucky enough to witness the eclipse firsthand. Spanning nearly three hours, the event unfolded with some parts of the United States experiencing a total eclipse, while others witnessed only a partial eclipse. Although us Sugboanons missed out on this celestial show, let’s take a virtual journey through the experiences shared by our fellow kababayans abroad on social media.
A 360-degree sunset
Witnesses in the States where the total eclipse occurred have described an awe-inspiring spectacle as the skies transformed, plunging into darkness before the breathtaking hues of a sunset emerged along the horizon. The transition from daylight to dusk unfolded like a painting, captivating onlookers and leaving them in awe of nature’s wonders.
The crickets started chirping
According to scientific studies, some animals exhibit distressing symptoms of anxiety and panic during eclipses. Their behaviors are caused by confusion about the sudden darkness disrupting their usual daytime routine. Witnesses reported that the chirping of crickets filled the air as soon as the skies went dark.
The birds went silent
Just like the crickets and other animals, birds were profoundly affected by the solar eclipse. Not accustomed to nocturnal activities, birds fell silent during the eclipse’s totality, mistaking it for their usual nighttime rest. However, they resumed their chirping as soon as the sunlight returned.
The mosquitoes came out
A total eclipse not only affected the sky’s colors and sunlight but also caused a drop in temperatures, according to NASA. As temperatures cooled, mosquitoes emerged to seek their next meal. Eclipse onlookers were prepared with insect repellents to ward off these pesky insects.
The appearance of crescent shadows
During a solar eclipse’s totality, shadows from trees undergo a fascinating transformation. With only partial sunlight filtering through, the shadows take on a distinctive crescent shape due to the moon partially blocking the sunlight.
In conclusion, the Great North American Eclipse of the 21st century left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to witness its celestial dance. From the breathtaking 360-degree sunset to the symphony of chirping crickets and the temporary silence of birds, the eclipse provided a moment of awe and wonder for all who experienced it. Even though we Sugboanons missed out on this celestial spectacle, we can still marvel at the photos and videos shared online. And even better is that it left us eagerly awaiting the next cosmic event to grace our skies, which will not be long since we have the upcoming total lunar eclipse this September 2025 and a solar eclipse in 2028
