April Solar Eclipse was also a Social Phenomenon
May 1, 2024
The Social Phenomenon of the Cosmic Solar Eclipse Event
Following our April 6, 2024 blog post (see post below), we received hundreds of impressions regarding eye safety while viewing the eclipse. Here are our summary thoughts about the astronomic event and the surprising social phenomenon it caused.
On the afternoon of April 8, 2024, the entire world was transfixed by the total solar eclipse that traveled across the United States from Texas to Maine. As the shadow of the moon passed in front of the sun, it blocked out the sun for a few minutes, eerily darkening the landscape.
This composite image of eleven pictures shows the progression of a total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017 Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani.
Although this was an astronomical spectacle, it caused a global social event. Millions watched in awe from vantage points in the eastern part of the US, and globally additional millions viewed the eclipse on streaming video, broadcast TV, and cell phones. It brought communities and individuals together, snarled traffic, led to immense cell phone and text traffic, and was witnessed by huge crowds who turned their eyes skyward in awe at the mysterious darkening and then return of the brilliant sun to its normal place in the heavens. The entire world was focused on this one event, a global union of consciousness.
Many people from the US and from around the world dropped their normal lives and traveled to specific locations in the US to see this phenomenon in person. Â An amazing result of this enthusiastic response was the wipeout demand for rental property along the line of the eclipse. Â Rental services like VRBO witnessed a full booking streak across the eclipse’s path as shown in the screenshot below:
(skift.com)
Eye Care Emporium focused on Eye Safety
In our blog post issued several days prior to the eclipse, we emphasized the importance of proper eye protection to reduce the chances of eye injury when looking directly at the sun. Fortunately, there were few reports of eye injuries, and due to widespread safety warnings, there were millions of pairs of ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses sold before the eclipse. An overwhelming number of eclipse enthusiasts reported using eclipse glasses, reflecting a heightened awareness of eye safety during such events. Communities, schools, and many local organizations held educational sessions to emphasize the need for use of ISO-certified glasses.
In fact, online and commercial sales of eclipse glasses surged in the week preceding the eclipse; This is indicative of the event’s widespread appeal and the public’s commitment to eye safety. Interestingly, Amazon issued a recall and full refund for certain solar eclipse glasses that had been sold as ISO Certified but did not meet the specifications.
Personal Comments. Our blog before the eclipse received hundreds of views. Here are some sample comments:
- Mary and Family sent this picture: Â “Thank you so much for sending the eye health guide for the eclipse, Brad. We enjoyed the whole experience.”
- Christina had the following comments: “Thank you so much for posting this Brad!      Great advice, especially for those of us in Texas where so many are traveling here to “view†it!   You very likely have saved some from pain and retinal damage or burns!”
In Conclusion, the immense social response to the solar eclipse transcended its scientific significance, becoming a memorable experience for millions characterized by communal learning, travel, and personal storytelling. It’s a testament to the unifying power of natural phenomena and our collective quest for understanding and appreciation of the cosmos.
Connect with us at Eye Care Emporium for ongoing research, education and support for eye health, eye care, and vision. https://eyecareemporium.com.