Millions gather to catch a view of the total solar eclipse crossing North America Manuel Frisk, 2024-04-112024-04-12 It’s already busy on the National Mall WASHINGTON — It’s a lovely, sunny April day on the National Mall, and by 1:30 p.m. residents from across the DMV and beyond were already staking spots on the grass to watch the solar eclipse. It’s a Monday, but you wouldn’t know it from the size of the crowds and the enthusiasm they’re showing. It feels more like a busy Saturday — people are walking dogs, biking and setting up picnics with friends or their kids. Periodic clumps of people are also gathering around tents from different Smithsonian museums, which are handing out eclipse glasses and information about how the eclipse happens. An eclipse celebration generations in the making MONROEVILLE, Ohio — Family, friends and neighbors are gathering in this rural town for an eclipse celebration directly in the path of the totality. Three generations of the Sabo family have returned to the family farm, where the oldest generation was born, for the once-in-a-lifetime event. The gathering is getting underway with homemade chili cooked over the fire, along with custom eclipse-themed sugar cookies showing the stages of the eclipse made by Columbus-based bakery Momma Sabo’s for the event. Locals gather in Monroeville, Ohio in anticipation of the eclipse featuring eclipse cookies from Momma Sabo’s and chili made over a campfire on April 8, 2024.Liz Lambert / NBC News A ‘devil comet’ is set to swing by the sun and could be visible during the eclipse A “devil comet” known for its occasional outbursts is currently visible in the night sky, and lucky stargazers may even be able to spot the celestial object during the eclipse. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks was nicknamed the “devil comet” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness ‘syzygy’ George Solis New York City may not be in the path of totality for today’s solar eclipse, but that hasn’t dampened astrophysicist Mark Baraket’s enthusiasm for what he says is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Baraket will be witnessing a partial solar eclipse from the deck of the Intrepid Museum, a converted aircraft carrier stationed on the west side of Manhattan. “This is the forces of nature live at work: the moon in conjunction with the sun and the Earth,” he said. “And by the way, they have a name for that. It’s called ‘syzygy.’ That is a real word. If you played it in Scrabble, you get 25 points. … It means all three objects are in perfect alignment.” How birds and other wildlife may react to the eclipse For wildlife, the sudden darkness of a total solar eclipse comes as a surprise. Birds might squawk to sound an alarm. Crickets start to chirp and owls hoot as if it’s nighttime. We’re at a nature preserve near Little Rock to witness how wildlife responds to the total eclipse. Staking out spots for the eclipse From Mexico to Maine, people have already begun to snag choice viewing spots, hoping to catch a view of the solar eclipse. The Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet has been canceled because of expected severe weather today through Wednesday, including the possibility of thunderstorms, hail, high winds and tornadoes. “Your safety is our top priority. With the support and coordination of Burnet County officials, local safety agencies, and The National Weather Service, we’ve agreed to end the festival today in a calm orderly manner,” event organizers said in a post on the festival’s website. Organizers said people can stay for the solar eclipse as long as they are prepared to depart after totality. “This guidance may change based on weather,” officials said. Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0] ●