https://xkcd.com/2914

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A partial eclipse is like a cool sunset. A total eclipse is like someone broke the sky.

  • JasonDJ
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    2 months ago

    I just landed in Houston, mainly to see the eclipse next week. Originally I was going to view from Austin, but it’s because of this that I decided to trek to Dallas instead.

    Essentially “totality” is inside the moons shadow. Since the moon is spherical (well, mostly), the shadow it casts is a circle. That’s the path of totality.

    I know you know this, I’m just saying this because you see that black band and you think all totality is the same. It’s not. If you’re on the edges, imagine a big circle shadow. Easier to visualize this way.