On April 8, 2024, the moon’s shadow raced from Mexico to Canada — and Texas to Maine across the United States — in what some consider to be the most awe-inspiring spectacle in all of nature: a total solar eclipse. Umbraphile David Baron chases these rare events across the globe, and in this ode to the bliss of seeing the solar corona, he explains why you owe it to yourself to witness one, too.

You owe it to yourself to experience a total solar eclipse

Experiencing a total solar eclipse creates a sense of awe that lingers long after the event ends. In Aruba, for just 174 seconds, the sky transformed into purple twilight with a silvery corona, leaving viewers feeling deeply connected to the universe. These rare cosmic moments remind people that brief encounters with wonder can reshape their outlook for years. True awe breaks down barriers and inspires connection, empathy, and a renewed sense of belonging.