More than 23 years ago, our nation was unmercifully attacked by foreign terrorists. This unprovoked assault on American soil forever changed the way we now live our daily lives.
We will never forget the terrible loss of the life and destruction that early Tuesday morning on September 11, 2001. Only once before in our country’s long history had we been attacked to this magnitude. But as a nation, we became united as one just as we came together 83 years ago after the cowardly bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
But now, after more than two decades, this nation has once again come together. Americans, young and old, united this time for a celebration to witness a celestial experience in the form of a total solar eclipse. This was a great celebration, whether it was a partial eclipse seen by many in the Midwest and the West Coast, or the total solar eclipse viewed by millions in the eastern regions of the United States. Visitors from all over the country, and the world traveled to Western New York to partake, celebrate, and view this once in a lifetime experience.
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I’m sure we all had our favorite locations. Many watched in their own backyards, others went to parks, sports venues or to the waterfront. There were those who even watched on TV. But you may ask yourself what was so special about this event? I know I could give you more than one reason, but I personally feel that this solar eclipse was notable because it brought so many people together not only from our local community, but throughout the United States. It also created a newly found awareness and interest both in the sciences and astronomy.
Recently, I reached out to a Buffalo high school science teacher while preparing to write this piece. He mentioned that he enjoyed all the hype that preceded the event and explained to me that the solar eclipse as a scientific study dates back a few hundred years.
He also said that over a thousand years ago, the ancient Maya civilization of Central America could actually predict many solar and lunar eclipses, but they couldn’t explain the scientific reason for why a solar eclipse actually occurred.
There were, however, many ancient civilizations that had no such knowledge of solar or lunar eclipses. The ancient Chinese, upon seeing these eclipses, would bang their drums hoping the eclipse would pass. It must have been a frightful experience to many not knowing why these eclipses occurred.
On a lighter note, I would imagine that earth scientists, astronomers, and NASA personnel were “rock stars“ in the eyes of most Americans before and during our April 8 eclipse.
With all the widespread polarization in recent years among the American people regarding political, social and religious issues, it was comforting and hopeful, that we, as a nation came together once again, with a common interest. This solar eclipse almost bordered on a spiritual experience.
April 8 was my very first — and last — viewing of a total eclipse. This once in a lifetime experience will always be remembered.