02 Apr The Phenomenon of The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
The stars are (almost) literally aligned for the residents of Heritage Pointe of Warren, Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne, and Heritage Pointe of Huntington senior living communities. Actually, it’s a different celestial alignment than stars, but the point is the same. Everything is perfectly in place to ‘host’ a cosmic phenomenon for our residents.
On April 8th, they will be in the exact right place at the precise right time for the Great North American Eclipse. It will be the second total solar eclipse in the U.S. in seven years and promises to be well worth the wait.
The eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. All of the U.S. will see at least a small portion of the eclipse. The path of totality, where the moon totally obscures the sun and where viewing the eclipse is most dramatic, is 10,000 miles long. However, at only 100 miles wide, it’s narrow and, thus, prime real estate. The further people are from the path, the more partial their view is, but it’s still amazing.
Warren has won the celestial lottery by being within this path of totality. Huntington and Fort Wayne are extremely close, “brushing up against the totality line”. The result is that our residents will have front-row seats to perhaps the greatest spectacle in the world, and certainly in the skies!
THE NUMBERS
- The solar eclipse will be viewed by a lot of people. Approximately 43.8 million live within the path of totality, but many many more are expected to travel to the path in order to best experience the marvel. While the excitement to see the eclipse is understandable, it’s also promising to create some extreme traffic and travel challenges.
- This a rarity. There are between four and seven eclipses annually. But because Earth is so dominated by water, the path of totality barely touches land during most eclipses. For the upcoming eclipse, the path of totality will span parts of six states in Mexico, 15 states in the U.S. (including Indiana) and six provinces in Canada.
- The number 400 is significant for total solar eclipses. The eclipse occurs when the moon comes between Earth and the sun, obscuring the sun. In reality, the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun. However, it’s also approximately 400 times closer to Earth than the sun. Consequently, the moon and sun appear to be roughly the same size during this spectacular event. Any given location will only experience a total solar eclipse once, approximately every 400 years.
WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE DURING A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
Even the most cynical of all skeptics believe that experiencing a total solar eclipse is among the most astonishing experiences in life. Space.com says that the phenomenon is “without a doubt, the greatest cosmic pageant that can be witnessed.”
Astronomy.com says “It’s amazing to witness the precision of the bodies in our solar system aligning. It can cause people to tear up and be awed by the splendor of nature — especially for those witnessing their first total eclipse.”
While the moon is covering the sun, the skies will be dark in the middle of the day, everything will become quiet, and the temperature will drop.
Those along the path of totality will see the corona, the sun’s outer atmosphere. This glowing ring can only be seen during the eclipse when the glare of the sun is blocked. It is breathtaking.
This year, the corona will be at its brightest because of the sun being at the peak of its 11-year cycle. The moon will appear larger because it’s closer to Earth, and the nighttime-like darkness will last longer.
LOCALLY
There are some special programs/events within the area for experiencing and celebrating the eclipse.
- Huntington Parks and Recreation will hold a One Mile Fun Walk/Run on Sunday, April 7th.
- The Town of Warren will host the Total Eclipse Viewing Event at Riverside Park from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will feature food, area tours, the availability of souvenir t-shirts and more.
- Salamonie Lake State Park will be open for camping and will be hosting activities.
FRONT ROW SEATS FOR OUR RESIDENTS, STAFF, AND FAMILIES
Our creative activities teams at Heritage Pointe of Warren, Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne, and Heritage Pointe of Huntington have been putting together programs during which residents and their families can celebrate the eclipse. (**Please note that because of safety and crowding concerns, our grounds and access to our events will not be open to the general public. It is for residents, staff, and families only. Be sure to watch our Facebook pages for photos).
“We work hard to ensure that our residents always have the opportunity to learn, experience, reminisce, share, and enjoy. We’re very excited that our location and our efforts are putting the residents in front row seats for this extraordinary event,” said Brad Fuller, Activities Director at Heritage Pointe of Huntington.