Chicago: The City of Almost Total Darkness
So, you wanna know what percentage of the eclipse Chicago got to see? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into some cosmic drama.
Almost Famous Eclipse
Let's get one thing straight: Chicago didn't get the full monty. No, no, we're talking about a partial eclipse here. Imagine biting into a really juicy apple and someone steals the best part. That's basically what happened to Chicago.
But don't let that dampen your spirits! We still got a pretty sweet show. A whopping 94% of the sun was blocked out. That's like eating 94% of a pizza and someone taking the last slice. Frustrating, yes, but still pretty satisfying.
Eclipse Math: It's Not Rocket Science (But It Kind Of Is)
You might be wondering how scientists figure out this percentage stuff. Well, it involves some fancy calculations, a whole lot of math, and probably a calculator that costs more than your car. But basically, they measure the size of the moon's shadow on Earth and compare it to the size of the sun. It's like comparing a pizza to a giant cheese grater.
Eclipse Chasers: The Real MVPs
While we Chicagoans were content with our 94%, there were some hardcore eclipse chasers who traveled hundreds, even thousands of miles to experience totality. These people are the true heroes of the eclipse world. They’re the ones who braved crowds, traffic, and questionable campground bathrooms for that perfect two minutes of darkness. We salute you, eclipse chasers!
So, What Now?
The next total solar eclipse visible in the continental US is in 2045. So, you've got some time to plan your eclipse-chasing adventure. In the meantime, let’s focus on enjoying the smaller celestial events, like meteor showers and supermoons. After all, every little bit of space magic counts.
How To... Eclipse Edition
- How to watch an eclipse safely: Invest in a pair of certified eclipse glasses. Your eyes will thank you.
- How to avoid eclipse traffic: Plan your route ahead of time and consider public transportation.
- How to impress your friends with eclipse knowledge: Learn about the different types of eclipses and the science behind them.
- How to prepare for the next eclipse: Start saving now! Eclipse travel can get expensive.
- How to cope with eclipse FOMO: Remember, there will be more eclipses. And besides, there's always Netflix.