On Monday, April 8, a solar eclipse will occur, providing a rare opportunity for millions of Americans within the path of totality to witness the moon and sun overlapping. Former NASA astronaut Terry Virts, who has traveled to space multiple times, shared his experiences of witnessing a solar eclipse while in space. Virts fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut and spent over 200 days in space piloting the Space Shuttle Endeavor and commanding the International Space Station. During his time in space, Virts was known as the picture taker, capturing stunning images of Earth, the galaxy, and other planets.
Virts recalled the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing a solar eclipse while in space in 2015, seeing a black circular shadow moving across Earth from the North Atlantic. He emphasized the importance of bringing the right tools, such as safe eclipse glasses, to view the phenomenon safely. Virts recommended visiting one of the 400 SONIC locations in the path of totality for a limited-edition blackout slush float and viewing glasses to enhance the viewing experience. He also suggested getting as close to the middle of the totality path for the best viewing and taking a moment to observe wildlife behavior during the eclipse.
For the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, some U.S. schools will be closed for the day, allowing students and teachers to witness the rare celestial event. Virts advised viewers to not stare directly at the sun, even with eclipse glasses, and to also look down at the horizon during the eclipse. He shared his plans to be in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas to experience the eclipse and enjoy a blackout slush float from SONIC. Guests purchasing the limited-edition slush at SONIC will receive a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses while supplies last, along with the dragon fruit-flavored slush symbolizing the darkness of the eclipse.
Overall, the opportunity to witness a solar eclipse is a rare and incredible experience that offers a unique perspective on the universe. By being prepared with the right tools and finding a prime viewing location, viewers can make the most of this celestial event. Virts’ recommendations, based on his experiences in space, provide valuable insight on how to fully appreciate and safely observe a solar eclipse. As NASA notes, the next solar eclipse viewing opportunity in the U.S. will be on August 23, 2044, making each eclipse a special and memorable event to cherish.
