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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:
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Maxtryturn · 06/04/2024 01:09

TheCoffeeNebula · 06/04/2024 01:06

I remember there being an absolutely massive hoohah in the UK over the 1999 eclipse, despite it only being total in Cornwall. Special glasses, features on building pinhole cameras, special outside broadcasts with Russell fucking Grant FFS… I've not been served much 2024 eclipse content, but what you describe sounds pretty similar, just updated to 2024 media. It's an exciting once in a lifetime event for many people, and eclipses have very often had mystical, paranormal or supernatural connotations or interpretations.

Basically, seems par for the course IMO.

I was working in Covent Garden at the time and I think I remember someone with a bucket of water, so the eclipse could be seen in the reflection of the water (to protect eyes)

Original poster
MistressoftheDarkSide · 06/04/2024 01:08

Thanks @coxesorangepippin This is what I was wondering - whether it's at saturation point for you guys. I mean it is an interesting and relatively infrequent spectacle of course - I caught an official news conference thing where some state's local law enforcement were talking about pre-emptive state of emergency planning, the National Guard being called in to handle traffic, and the possibility of cell phone outages at which point I was a bit eh? 🤔
If everyone's looking at it, will they all be on their phones or something? Probably a stupid question on my part, obviously 🙄 but I'm old lol.

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 06/04/2024 01:08

I’m at about 90% totality where I live. Haven’t seen anything about aliens or conspiracy theories of any kind of social media. No idea why your algorithm is feeding you that sort of thing.

I had the opportunity to see a complete several years ago. It was clouded over, but it didn’t matter, it was still an amazing experience. Birds and bugs erupted in sound. The light was eerie. It was wonderful. If I could get away with taking dd out of school, we would take the short trip to totality, but she just can’t miss on Monday and I feel too guilty to go without her.

TheCoffeeNebula · 06/04/2024 01:06

I remember there being an absolutely massive hoohah in the UK over the 1999 eclipse, despite it only being total in Cornwall. Special glasses, features on building pinhole cameras, special outside broadcasts with Russell fucking Grant FFS… I've not been served much 2024 eclipse content, but what you describe sounds pretty similar, just updated to 2024 media. It's an exciting once in a lifetime event for many people, and eclipses have very often had mystical, paranormal or supernatural connotations or interpretations.

Basically, seems par for the course IMO.

TooBigForMyBoots · 06/04/2024 01:04

There's an article on BBC giving details of the time and the importance of viewing ot safely.

I've seen a few eclipses in my time. None have had been accompanied by 👽 or rapture stuff. Most people come out to look and go back indoors afterwards. I usually celebrate with a cup of tea and a bun.Brew

Ninahaen · 06/04/2024 01:03

im in the UK and apart from FIL who has an interest in that sort of thing. I’ve not heard anyone mention it.

but on Reddit: sounds like they are expecting the four horsemen of the apocalypse

coxesorangepippin · 06/04/2024 01:00

Everywhere is having special viewing events, and providing solar glasses

coxesorangepippin · 06/04/2024 00:59

I'm in Canada and honestly sick of hearing about it.

My husband is taking the day off to take the kids to his brothers to watch it, as it's supposed to be better when they live

FoxyLoxyLoo · 06/04/2024 00:59

The moon passes between the sun and earth and casts a shadow over parts of earth. That’s all that happens. Do I need a tinfoil hat for aliens?

Original poster
MistressoftheDarkSide · 06/04/2024 00:56

Err, Facebook and YouTube. I'm not seeking it out it's just cropping up more as Monday approaches. Are you Stateside?

OP posts:
allmyown · 06/04/2024 00:54

what sort of social media are you on? I haven't seen anything like that. One or two brief factual mentions - I suspect you are getting served more batshitary because you are clicking on it

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