I stayed home from school today to watch the solar eclipse. Here in Colorado we saw a 92% eclipse. I kind of wish we would have traveled up to Nebraska to get in the path of totality. However, experiencing a 92% eclipse was still fascinating. We had eclipse glasses that allowed us to watch the moon pass in front of the sun. Being a mile closer to the sun in Colorado is noticeable by feeling the increased solar radiance compared to sea level. As the moon passed in front of the sun, we definitely felt a drop in solar radiance. It was nice. I find it astonishing how unique this experience is for us on Earth. Life on other planets in the universe is rare, intelligent life on other planets in very rare, and intelligent life being able to experience a solar eclipse the way we do with a moon the right size and distance away is precious. I will definitely be traveling to the path of totality the next time a solar eclipse happens in the states again in 2024.
