Millions in the US, Mexico, and Canada were enthralled by the first total solar eclipse to cross the US in seven years, accompanied by a spike in streams for Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’.
On Monday, a total solar eclipse captivated millions across 15 US states, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first such event to traverse the US in seven years. The eclipse began in Mazatlán, Mexico, and ended in Canada, bringing temporary darkness and a drop in temperatures along its path. Spectators from various regions gathered to witness the rare celestial event, sharing their experiences and images on social media. Despite some cloudy conditions, the visual spectacle of the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth fascinated viewers across the continent.
In conjunction with the eclipse, Bonnie Tyler’s 1983 hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart” saw a significant surge in streams, with Spotify reporting nearly a 50% increase in searches for the song in the US. Tyler, amused by the song’s resurgence, highlighted its enduring popularity, especially during eclipse events.
BBC North America Correspondent Nomia Iqbal described the eclipse over Dallas, Texas, as “indescribable,” capturing the sentiment of many who experienced the event. Similarly, at Niagara Falls, hundreds experienced a dramatic moment of darkness during the eclipse, underscoring the event’s appeal and the unifying nature of such celestial occurrences.
The eclipse provided a backdrop for various unique activities, including mass weddings and viewing parties, demonstrating its impact beyond the realm of astronomy. Dramatic photos highlighted moments when the sun peeked from behind the moon, and daily routines were paused to witness the spectacle, illustrating the wide-reaching fascination with this astronomical event that will not recur until 2044.
