Historically speaking, solar eclipses take place roughly every 18 months and will not re-occur in the same geographical location for another 375 years. It is hoped that many of you had the pleasure to experience this recent phenomenon that took place right here in Aroostook County on April 8. Maine has experienced numerous eclipses over the years and it is interesting to hear the comments from those in the past.
During the recent eclipse, many noted the rapid drop in temperature once the sun was blacked out, the stillness of nature, and the odd hue cast upon the ground as the sun was diminished.
In the May 31, 1900, Star Herald, a report was made on the solar eclipse that occurred locally on Monday, May 28, 1900. See if any of this sounds familiar.
“A solar eclipse as a mere spectacle, particularly when total, certainly transcends in interest and impressiveness almost any spectacle presented to the eyes of mortals. Largely no doubt this is owing to its rarity, such events being widely separated and infrequent in occurrence in the longest lifetime. …
“The weather conditions attending the phenomenon were perfect. The atmosphere was crystalline in its clearness, and when, at 8:20 AM, the hundreds of eyes which were studying the radiant disc of the sun through colored glasses, caught the first glimpse of the coming shadow upon its western rim, there was not a cloud or even it cloudlet in the whole firmament.
“To those who noticed the warm and ready sunlight slowly being quenched, the growing chill in the air and a curious dusky pallor settling down over the landscape… At this time, the light which prevailed was but little better than a full moon would afford, and objects appeared to be of a weirdly greenish hue. At about half past nine, it began to grow brighter and at ten o’clock the Sun was shining with its accustomed splendor after having the world perhaps the grandest spectacle of the decade.”
On Jan. 8, 1925, the Star Herald reported an upcoming partial solar eclipse to be seen in Aroostook on Jan. 24 of that year.
“Before the preliminary partial phase begins, the moon, although quite close to the sun, is entirely invisible. Suddenly we notice that a small slice has been cut from the sun’s disk; gradually this black segment increases as the moon moves into our line of sight… Nothing remains of nature’s sublimest spectacle except an indelible image in our minds.”
It is obvious that this amazing astronomical event is a sight to behold and one we will remember for the remainder of our lives. In fact, it is so fascinating that there are a group of people who travel the world to follow and observe these celestial phenomena. They are known by many names including coronaphiles, eclipsoholics, ecliptomaniacs, or eclipse-chasers. NASA reports that ancient observers took note of solar eclipses at least as far back as 2500 BC.
Based on conservative estimates, the once-in-a-lifetime April 8 event was estimated to have been viewed by between 1.85 million and 7.4 million people. Maine Department of Transportation has indicated that 15,000 vehicles entered the state specifically for eclipse watching purposes as well as those who traveled to our location from within the state to experience the stellar event.
Kimberly R. Smith is the secretary/treasurer of the Presque Isle Historical Society.
