Witnessing the 2024 solar eclipse live was a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack didn’t waste a moment.
Sack, who was reporting live from Indianapolis at the time of totality, became emotional watching the historic moment.
“It’s the totality. It’s just incredible,” he said through tears. “I can’t believe I’m able to bring this to you.”
The moment sparked cheers, tears and fear among many people who watched the skies darken for several minutes in Indiana and Illinois.
And rightly so. Experts say another total solar eclipse like this won’t be visible for some time.
“The solar eclipses that are going to happen, for the most part, that will be visible in our area after this one, are not going to be as large as this one,” said Michelle Nichols, director of public viewing at the Adler Planetarium. , told NBC Chicago.
“This may be the most observed solar eclipse of all time,” Nichols added.
NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes called the event “the largest solar eclipse of our lifetime in the United States.”
According to NASA scientists, a total solar eclipse occurs when the new moon crosses the path of the sun in the sky, partially blocking then almost completely the view of the sun.
As for solar eclipses over the continental United States, another total eclipse won’t occur for over 20 years, with a 2044 eclipse occurring in North and South Dakota, among other locations .
Next total solar eclipse will be visible in Illinois, according to NASA will not take place until September 14, 2099. This eclipse will be visible in northeastern Illinois, including the city of Chicago, as well as parts of Wisconsin, including Madison, Milwaukee and Kenosha.
NBC Chicago
