Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask Mumsnetters across the pond what they make of the SM hype around the solar eclipse,

61 replies

MistressoftheDarkSide · 06/04/2024 00:52

Genuinely interested to hear opinions and thoughts having seen everything from aliens to the rapture being referenced on YouTube etc.

I can sort of understand the commercial opportunity angle and the need to manage infrastructure around towns on the oath etc, but some of the batshittery seems extreme and I wonder how those living around the path are feeling ?

I don't recall this level of preparation or interest in other eclipses - but I suppose it's just a sign of the times? Not the end times, obviously 😆 just the world we live in.

Colour me intrigued.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Thread gallery
6
LobsterWeb · 11/04/2024 21:34

Soubriquet · 09/04/2024 21:58

I’ve seen many articles online now about how many Americans are now suffering from eye damage due to looking at the sun without proper glasses….

You have? I'd be interested to see them. I haven't come across any - just a lot of articles warning people what damage they could end up with if they look directly without proper glasses.

Given that tens of millions of people were in the path of the totality I wonder how many actually ended up with damage to their eyes.

Soubriquet · 09/04/2024 21:58

I’ve seen many articles online now about how many Americans are now suffering from eye damage due to looking at the sun without proper glasses….

LobsterWeb · 09/04/2024 14:37

It was incredible here. Clear blue skies and a complete eclipse. No aliens. World apparently has not ended. Back to work this morning.

MooseBeTimeForSnow · 09/04/2024 05:10

Meh. This is as good as it got here.

To ask Mumsnetters across the pond what they make of the SM hype around the solar eclipse,
Rainbowshit · 07/04/2024 20:38

We travelled to stay with relatives in Cornwall for the 1999 eclipse. There was loads of crazy nonsense spouted in the run up to it.

LobsterWeb · 07/04/2024 16:59

I take it all back!

To ask Mumsnetters across the pond what they make of the SM hype around the solar eclipse,
Candleabra · 07/04/2024 12:28

I was working as a temp during the 1999 eclipse. Everyone in the whole office went outside to watch it, but I had to stay in to man the phones. In a mean spirited way I was glad it was an anticlimax.

TheBunyip · 07/04/2024 12:25

Our last eclipse was quite big news. We got special glasses and the kids were allowed to go into school late that day so they could watch it

LlynTegid · 07/04/2024 12:22

I have a relative who lives in the US, spoke on Friday, it was not mentioned. And we do talk about weather a lot!

LobsterWeb · 07/04/2024 12:21

Blueyandsocks · 06/04/2024 16:38

I read the difference between a 100% and a 99.9% eclipse is like a peck on the cheek compared to a night of passion 😂 so can understand people in the totality zone being excited.

Yes - I saw a partial eclipse a few years ago and it was fun, but I’m really excited for this full eclipse, especially as I’m in an area that’s predicted full sunshine that day.

ZZTopGuitarSolo · 07/04/2024 12:19

I do think it’s worth thinking about how areas that are usually incredibly unpopulated and full of wildlife will be when suddenly crowds descend.

Where I’m going to be there are a lot of black bears that will be just coming out of hibernation, and they typically come out at night. We also have a lot of coyotes that come out at night. The police are just saying to be aware and steer clear.

I’m not worried about my dog looking at the sun, but I am aware that there might be wildlife about that could freak him out somewhat. He’s met a bear before and he didn’t like it…

Soubriquet · 07/04/2024 09:51

Redglitter · 06/04/2024 20:19

This thread is the first time I've seen it mentioned

Same!

Maxtryturn · 06/04/2024 23:37

Cattenberg · 06/04/2024 01:50

In 1999, we were walking past a hospital on our way to watch it, when two nurses came out and peered at the eclipse through a patient’s x-rays!

Sadly the clouds completely obscured totality. It was interesting to see the wildlife react though - I remember the seagulls flew out to sea, screaming.

Show quote history

Haha!

Fascinating isn’t it, how animals can behave during such events.

Redglitter · 06/04/2024 20:19

This thread is the first time I've seen it mentioned

WingsofRain · 06/04/2024 20:18

An American Facebook page I follow posted a warning that all animals should be kept inside because the sun will damage their eyes and dogs will panic.

It’s batshit, but it’s the only one I’ve seen.

VeryQuaintIrene · 06/04/2024 20:18

We had one in western North Carolina several years ago, and it was really cool - all the automatic lighting turned on on my campus and the crickets started chirping. It's going to be 87% on Monday, so I don't know how that will be in comparison. People are moderately excited here but I think the previous one was fuller so they aren't completely excited.

muddyford · 06/04/2024 20:11

Mothership4two · 06/04/2024 17:21

Yes I saw it in Devon. Not far from Shaldon

Show quote history

I was in Exminster and saw it there. In 1999 social media were still in the future but even so the internet and traditional information sources were wall-to-wall eclipse.

HoneyButterPopcorn · 06/04/2024 18:17

We were in central London.

Cattenberg · 06/04/2024 17:39

Propagandalf · 06/04/2024 15:10

I've read from a few sources including the BBC that the 1999 eclipse was only visible at 100% from Cornwall. That's not right because it was also 100% in Devon. I was in Paignton (Devon) and although the weather was cloudy, it still went night for about 2 minutes.

I was in Paignton, sitting on the steps at the seafront with lots of other people.

HoneyButterPopcorn · 06/04/2024 17:23

I remember the last solar eclipse here - yes it was bonkers. I took the day off work. It was really weird when the eclipse happened - shadows were crazy and the chill! the birds all stopped singing too.

Mothership4two · 06/04/2024 17:21

Propagandalf · 06/04/2024 15:10

I've read from a few sources including the BBC that the 1999 eclipse was only visible at 100% from Cornwall. That's not right because it was also 100% in Devon. I was in Paignton (Devon) and although the weather was cloudy, it still went night for about 2 minutes.

Yes I saw it in Devon. Not far from Shaldon

Blueyandsocks · 06/04/2024 16:38

I read the difference between a 100% and a 99.9% eclipse is like a peck on the cheek compared to a night of passion 😂 so can understand people in the totality zone being excited.

Aintnosupermum · 06/04/2024 16:38

I’m in the path of total eclipse. School is shut and we have remote learning (I’ve hired one of the teachers to come and help me!). I’m over it. I have major deadlines at work so I’m working over the weekend because Monday and Tuesday will be a mess.

You can not get a hotel room and I have no idea where people plan to be for this but I’m in a high rise with unobstructed views and my own roof deck I normally never let the kids use. I’m making an exception for this and senior people at work invited themselves over to my place because of the roof deck. Heading to Costco shortly to get the food sorted.