Miles from Home

April 8th was the solar eclipse on the North American continent and my current home, Buffalo, was in the path of totality! My last post was also about the eclipse, if you would like to go see that as well.

Understanding Solar Eclipses

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking all or part of the Sun’s light. Total solar eclipses, where the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon, are rarer than partial solar eclipses.

On average, a total solar eclipse can be seen from the same location on Earth approximately once every 360 years. However, partial solar eclipses occur more frequently, with several visible somewhere on Earth each year.

My Eclipse Experience

That’s why although the entirety of the totality only lasted for about 3 minutes, it was absolutely impeccable. I was at work, but we all went outside with our glasses and waited for the moon to block the sun. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see much of the partial eclipse because the clouds were thick all day that day. (Which is absolutely annoying because Sunday was a beautiful day, as well was Tuesday.)

The clouds started to thin just in time for the totality. I snapped a few pictures, and a short video trying to capture the eclipse, but all I had was my iPhone. I will share them with you below, but I did also provide a photo from NASA as it is 100x better than what I could do.

Reflections and Future Plans

To think, unless I travel for it, I won’t see it ever again in Buffalo is mind boggling. It absolutely was an 一期一会 (ichigo ichie) moment and I am so glad the weather cooperated enough to be able to glimpse the ethereal beauty of it all. Ichigo ichie for those not familiar means essentially, once in a life time, in Japanese and it comes from Japanese tea ceremony. Maybe one of these days, I will write a story on my experience learning that craft. But alas, I’m getting side tracked.

If it were to happen again, near by, I think I’d travel to gaze at the sky waiting for that special moment again. Which leads me to mention that apparently in 2035, which is literally a decade away, it is predicted that Japan would be in the path of totality for an eclipse. Narita Airport is literally in the line of totality, so I might have to keep that in the backburner for a potential trip back to Japan.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Narita Airport is located in the Chiba prefecture and about an hour car ride from the Tokyo proper.

In Summary

As the solar eclipse melts into memory, I’m left with a profound appreciation for the rare and captivating moments our universe offers. From the anticipation under cloudy skies to the fleeting clarity of totality, each eclipse is a reminder of the beauty and wonder that surround us. Whether it’s chasing the path of totality or simply gazing up at the night sky, I’m reminded of the Japanese concept of 一期一会 (ichigo ichie), the idea that each moment is unique and irreplaceable. As we await future celestial events, let’s cherish the memories we’ve made and the connections we’ve forged under the shadow of the Moon.

Did you witness the solar eclipse on April 8th, or have you experienced one in the past? Share your stories, photos, and reflections in the comments below. Let’s continue to celebrate the marvels of our universe together and inspire each other to look up and appreciate the wonders above.