In light of the recent eclipse, neonatal consultant Erik Strandness reflects on why rare cosmological events catch the attention of the world

On April 8th, North America was treated to a total eclipse of the sun. The path of totality began in Mexico, moved through the Midwest, and eventually exited out the Northeast. People drove for miles to get the best view. Adults missed work. Students took a day off school. Many cities organised viewing events. 

All the major networks featured a countdown to the eclipse allotting significant amounts of airtime to the scientific data that would be collected, but also, surprisingly, devoted a portion of their coverage to its perceived spiritual significance. As people experienced the various phases of the eclipse, the responses went from anticipatory murmurings to deep silence to corporate applause. People laughed. People cried. People of differing… (Register to read the rest of the article)