The solar eclipse of this year occurred on April 8, beginning around 11 in the morning. These eclipses are relatively frequent, occurring around once every eighteen months in totality. In Montana, we had the view of only a partial eclipse.
The solar eclipse is an extremely interesting event where the moon passes between the earth and the sun, creating that the sun is being covered by the moon as the sun is at a much greater distance from the earth. In some places it is seen in totality, and in others it is seen partially, like in Montana, depending on where the sun and moon is in relation to earth. In Montana, this year, the total eclipse could be visible just before sunset in some places. Eclipses like this are relatively rare in Montana. In places like Texas, though, the eclipse could be seen in its entirety for about four minutes.
The eclipse is a very unique event that many people drive several miles to see in totality. This year was the first eclipse seen in totality in 7 years. Many people have spiritual or religious beliefs that are connected to the solar eclipse, especially in totality. Specifically parts of the Islamic faith find solar eclipses in totality to be very prominent in the faith. Generally, solar eclipses symbolize a time of renewal and opportunity for those who have beliefs involved in it.
During an eclipse, it is common for it to get dark outside temporarily, usually just a few minutes. However, it can impact the earth in other ways, though they tend to be extremely minor weather phenomena that goes largely unnoticed.
