A former NASA astronaut from Yonkers is helping New Yorkers prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse. He says it will give Earth a unique glimpse of the “cosmic dance,” which is normally only visible from space.
Ron Gallant, who has logged 71 million miles in space and orbited the Earth more than 2,800 times on two missions to the International Space Station, will educate Earth’s inhabitants on this journey with a presentation at the Hudson River Museum. It plays a role in creating excitement about rare astronomical phenomena. This weekend in his hometown.
“It’s basically an emphasis on perspective and trying to zoom out to see the big picture of things,” Galan said of the hype surrounding the upcoming event that will be seen overall from the northern and western parts of the state. He spoke about the rise in publicity.
“There’s a term called the ‘overview effect’ that was coined in the 1980s.” [by Harvard professor Frank White,]” said the 62-year-old Boulder, Colorado, resident.
“He recorded the shift in consciousness that some astronauts have when they view the Earth from space. This profound shift occurs as they realize the unity and cosmic dance of which we are all a part. It happens. It’s a very profound change, isn’t it?
“But when an astronomical phenomenon like a solar eclipse occurs, it presents an opportunity for all of us on Earth to change our perspective as well.”
Galan, who will be observing the total solar eclipse at a viewing event near Austin, Texas, stressed the importance of wearing safety glasses during the eclipse. The eclipse will last several hours around a total zone (narrow band) of nearly four minutes of darkness, extending approximately 100 miles from Mexico to Maine and beyond.
“When we look up at the sun now, we see a blue sky, right? But from space, we see the sun against a black sky, so our sun appears as a real star.” said Galan.
Stayed in space during two missions to the International Space Station.
“And you shouldn’t look at the sun. The sun’s light is much brighter there. So you shouldn’t look at the sun for long periods of time on Earth or, oh, in space, but you have to be really careful in space.” He added, noting that the spacesuit has a reflective visor for that purpose.
“During a solar eclipse, you don’t want to look at the sun at all, because it’s very, very dangerous.” [without protective eyewear]”
The total solar eclipse won’t be visible again from New York until 2079, when it becomes a total zone. included 5 autonomous regions.
The astronaut said he hoped the rarity of the event would encourage people to enjoy the “change of perspective” that comes with appreciating everyday astronomical wonders.
“The reason solar eclipses in particular are so fascinating is because they are so rare,” the astronaut said.
“But we can experience sunrises and sunsets every day, or actually twice a day. It’s an equally compelling demonstration of the dance of the cosmos, our place in it, and everything else. is an astronomical phenomenon that should have an equally powerful effect on us.
“Throughout our lives, we have been conditioned to take these miracles for granted, and we are lucky if we are able to recognize them.”
