From: veritasium
The total solar eclipse experience on August 21st, 2017, in Madras, Oregon, evoked strong reactions from observers [00:00:00]. The event was met with clear skies, providing optimal viewing conditions [00:00:07].
Atmospheric Changes and Anticipation
Even 17 minutes before totality, the light began to change, becoming noticeably dimmer [00:01:01]. A cold wind also swept in, contributing to the cooling and darkening environment, which observers found exciting [00:01:07], [00:01:12]. As the sun became about 90 percent covered, observers noted that shadows grew much sharper, an effect during a solar eclipse resulting from the light originating from a single sliver of the sun [00:01:25], [00:01:30], [00:01:37].
During Totality
Once totality began, reactions quickly escalated to exclamations of awe and disbelief [00:01:51], [00:01:54]. Observers described the scene as “insane,” “unbelievable,” and “absolutely insane” [00:01:58], [00:02:06], [00:02:18]. The sensation was also described as “totally creepy” and “weird,” with the presence of a breeze [00:02:18], [00:02:33], [00:02:47].
A striking phenomenon observed was the appearance of “sunset - sunrise” in every direction, which elicited strong reactions from the crowd [00:02:58]. This unexpected visual prompted cries of “Oh my God” and comments like “This, just looks so wrong” [00:03:05], [00:03:16]. During this phase, visible features like prominences and the solar Corona, along with Venus, added to the surreal experience [00:03:18], [00:03:26].
Many found themselves speechless, describing the moment as “unreal” and “totally nuts” [00:03:48], [00:03:51], [00:04:00]. One observer noted that the sky looked “like a hole in the sky!” [00:04:10]. The return of the sun, marked by the diamond ring effect, was met with loud cheering and widespread excitement [00:04:18], [00:04:27].