Reflecting on Monday’s total solar eclipse
I’ve had more than a day to reflect on Monday’s total solar eclipse, and the best word
I can use to describe it was amazing.
I had the date circled for quite some time – of personal interest but also because the weather was so critical. Somehow, we managed to have some of the best viewing conditions during one of our cloudiest months.
I decided to travel to Pointe-sapin, N.B., a quaint Acadian fishing village along the beautiful Northumberland Strait. Its beautiful beaches made it the perfect spot for viewing.
Friends and families set up their chairs, blankets, and cameras. Brave kids dipping their toes into the water.
For such an event I thought it might seem drawn out waiting for that moment, but it was fast. The subtle changes started becoming more evident – dimming brightness turned to darkness after 4:30 p.m. as if it were late-december.
And then totality.
It was amazing. Being able to look up at the sun – seeing its corona, the planets like Venus visible in the southeast, the panoramic sunset around us, and the emotions of everyone also witnessing this amazing wonder.
From a weather-perspective, it was also cool to observe subtle changes like the temperature going from about 15 degrees Celsius to 12 degrees Celsius, and the persistent beach breeze turning much calmer, at times still.
After a short three-to-four minutes, daylight returned, and it was over. Most people packed up their cameras and beach chairs and hit the road. It was like nothing had happened, but something amazing did.
I’m not one who often struggles to find words, but describing what it was like to experience this I’ll admit was challenging. It was emotional, awe-inspiring, and exceeded all my expectations.
It’s something I’ll never forget.
Allister Aalders is the Saltwire weather specialist.