The Great American Eclipse that occurred on August 21, 2017, was undoubtedly the most anticipated natural celestial event in recent history. The most mesmerizing part was the period of “totality,” where daylight plunged into complete darkness for over two minutes.
Not every location was able to witness this spectacle. Fortunately, the parents of a good friend lived in Stayton, Oregon, right on the narrow path of totality. Thus, a group of friends and I were invited to set up a tent camp in their backyard to await this cosmic event.
As the moon’s shadow descended, the surrounding air instantly grew cold, and the day abruptly faded into total darkness. Witnessing the Sun’s outer, silvery-white corona erupting in the midst of extreme blackness provided a sense of awe and solemnity that few words can truly convey.
The entire experience was truly incredible. Even after a long time has passed, I still frequently and vividly recall that fleeting, yet ultimate, strange experience of light transitioning into darkness.
