Op-ed views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Discouraging weather forecasts in the path of Monday’s total solar eclipse did not dissuade most from traveling. Many were already onsite where they chose to be along the path. Many – like my wife and I – did not get in on the hotel or campground action two years in advance and chose to play it by weather. That is, it was a GO or NOGO for launch, right up until the launch time.

Indeed, people living in the Nashville, TN area were treated to a total or near-total solar eclipse in August of 2017, but for whatever reason, this North American eclipse was hyped to the maximum of production levels. Grocery stores, restaurants and even liquor stores were giving safety glasses away up until yesterday.

I would say the hype for this 2024 eclipse has eclipsed that of the 2017 eclipse, but that would be too on-the-nose …

A multitude from each cardinal direction set out to see the great event, but some were affected by cloud cover or traffic, while others who dared were treated to parting clouds at the right moment. That last statement is equally an acknowledgement of divine intervention as it is a criticism of meteorologists and climatologists who think that with more of our money, they can control YOUR weather and replace God. 

So, my wife and I – and at the last tactical moment – set out for Paducah, KY early in the morning. The traffic ingress and egress headaches were to be expected; there will be thousands of videos of people filming themselves driving recklessly, bitching about their current condition.

Get off your phones, people!

What I am here to tell you is that there is still a reason to believe.

Yesterday, I saw thousands watching a celestial event. The temperature began to cool, though even with the sun halfway obscured, it produces an incredible amount of heat and light. Only when it nears total eclipse does it get noticeably dark.  After all, it’s a giant ball of hydrogen and helium (nerd point.)

The “diamond ring” showed up and people started cheering from around the corners of downtown Paducah. A few seconds later, we witnessed totality for two minutes where the multitude began clapping. Then silence, a bit of talking but mostly awe. Then as the new “diamond ring” showed up on a different axis, more clapping, as if the Moon had put on a performance. 

There was such sweetness and innocence among all. Nothing but camaraderie, and no way anyone was getting a parking ticket in Paducah yesterday.

Gene Cernan (RIP), the last American to walk on the moon, said that when he looked back on Earth, he felt that he was standing on God’s front porch.

We need more of that. We need more reverence. 

We Need GOD, and every day we need more believers in good than evil.

P.S. The white hot yet silver glow with rays is indescribable. There is no shade of that on earth.

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Frank Webster

Staff Writer

Frank (Chip) Webster is a musician and composer, former teacher of percussion and U.S. Army Infantry veteran. He holds a degree in English from Arizona State University.

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