Why every American needs to see a “map of both” before the total solar eclipse on April 8

A total solar eclipse will not come to North America. It only comes to some very lucky parts of the continent that will fall under the moon's central shadow. On April 8, more than 42 million people will experience and travel the path of totality — the 115-mile-wide path of that shadow — to fully experience the magic of a total solar eclipse. Everyone will see only partial phases, a piece of the sun obscured by a piece of the moon.

Confused nonsense

Many Americans do not understand what the macro path is. Nonsensical oxymorons such as “99% coverage of the total total eclipse” are frequently used in communications by hotels that are off course but desperate to cash in. Sentiments like “I'm happy to avoid 95% traffic and compromise” are common among people who consider this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Misunderstand the path of a total eclipse and you will miss a total solar eclipse.

Cue the “map of nay” meme.

“Map Nope” meme

“The point of the map is that a 99 percent partial solar eclipse is equal to zero percent of a total solar eclipse,” said Michael Zeller, eclipse cartographer and co-founder of the eclipse. GreatAmericanEclipse.com, who created the emoji-filled “Map of Nope” meme. “There is a common misconception that if someone is close to the path of totality, even in the 99% partial solar eclipse zone, that person will not need to travel and will see most of the eclipse phenomena.”

The map works because it uses humor to make a serious point – there's a night and day difference between being on and off the overall track. The path of totality is the only place where you can experience the full effects of a total solar eclipse, including darkness in the day for a few minutes and the chance to see the sun's corona with the naked eye. This fact is confused in eclipse maps that show how much of the sun the moon will block across the continent.

The La Map is very popular among eclipse chasers who are keen to spread the word about the Great North American Eclipse.

Simple message

The meme's name actually comes from Dr. Kate Russo, author, psychologist, and eclipse chaser Being in the shadows. “About two years ago, during a presentation, I showed this map and called it the ‘No Map,’ and I’ve been using that phrase ever since,” she said. “We eclipse chasers love detailed maps, but this one is a very simple visual that easily conveys one key message – if you're not in the path of totality, you won't see a total solar eclipse.”

The path of totality will extend across 10,000 miles (16,000 km) of Earth's surface on April 8, but it is only 115 miles wide. It will sweep across North America in 100 minutes, passing through parts of five states in Mexico (Sinaloa, Nayarit, Durango, Coahuila, Chihuahua), and 15 US states (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Indiana). . Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine) and six Canadian provinces (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland).

“You're either in or out,” Russo said. “Being out of the way of college? No! Sometimes simple is best.”

This is a meme worth spreading. “If you can, make the trip the college route,” Zeller said. “You will witness the most beautiful heavenly spectacle you will ever see.”

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I wish you clear skies and wide eyes.

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