Up First from NPR The Sunday Story: Notes from an Eclipse Chaser
Apr 7, 2024
Join science writer David Baron, author of 'American Eclipse,' as he shares his passion for chasing total solar eclipses. He describes the breathtaking experience of witnessing an eclipse, likening it to viewing Earth from another world. Baron discusses the sensory marvels during totality, the cultural significance of these rare events, and tips for safe viewing. Together with astrophysicist Dr. Regina Barber, they inspire listeners to appreciate the awe and gratitude that eclipses can bring.
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Aruba Eclipse
- David Baron's first total eclipse in 1998 in Aruba transformed him.
- It was so impactful that it shifted his life's focus to eclipse chasing.
Path of Totality
- A total solar eclipse happens in the path of totality, where the moon's shadow (umbra) hits Earth.
- A broader area experiences a partial eclipse in the penumbra.
Totality Experience
- During a total eclipse, the sky tears away, unveiling the solar system's center.
- It feels like being on an alien world, observing the universe differently.
