The 2017 Solar Eclipse

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 21: The solar eclipse is seen behind the Statue of Liberty at Liberty Island in on August 21, 2017 in New York City. While New York was not in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, around 72 percent of the sun was covered by the moon during the peak time of the partial eclipse. (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage)

Informative caption tells me that New York got to 72% covered during the eclipse, and this shot is... just apocalyptic and amazing. It looks like a special effect in a movie. It's stirring and scary.

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 21: The moon partially eclipses the Sun during a Solar eclipse over the United States as seen from the National Mall on August 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/WireImage)

This was shot in Washington, D.C. And like... you can tell why they wanted people to be REALLY REALLY CAREFUL about staring directly at this sucker. Even the photo is making me wince. It's amazing.

Bethesda, MD - The moon is seen almost completely covering the sun as viewed through special solar glasses. People of all ages gather at a community pool to gaze at the 2017 Solar Eclipse. Using special solar glasses or home made solar viewers, they enjoy the spectacular sight. Pictured: 2017 Solar Ecllipse BACKGRID USA 21 AUGUST 2017 BYLINE MUST READ: MediaPunch / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients - Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

This is apparently as-seen-through-glasses, shot in Maryland.

Ross Lake, Wash - The Moon is seen passing in front of the Sun during a solar eclipse from Ross Lake, Northern Cascades National Park, Washington on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. A total solar eclipse swept across a narrow portion of the contiguous United States from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. A partial solar eclipse was visible across the entire North American continent along with parts of South America, Africa, and Europe. Pictured: General Views BACKGRID USA 21 AUGUST 2017 BYLINE MUST READ: MediaPunch / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients - Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

This is from a national park in Washington State. The tiny bite out it looks like the Death Star. Oh, and did you see the similar photo from NASA, in which the International Space Station is photobombing it? SO NEAT.

And now more like a proper moon phase.

Man, I wish I'd paid attention to the ambient light today. We weren't in the totality, but the light would've taken on a weird quality today. I think I was faintly aware of some of it but I didn't stop and let it sink in, sadly.

Parkland, FL - General views of the Solar Eclipse over Parkland, Florida on August 21, 2017 Pictured: Solar Eclipse BACKGRID USA 21 AUGUST 2017 BYLINE MUST READ: MediaPunch / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients - Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

And this is from Florida.

Madras, OR - The Diamond Ring effect is seen as the moon makes its final move over the sun during the total solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, 2017 above Madras, Oregon. A total solar eclipse swept across a narrow portion of the contiguous United States from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. A partial solar eclipse was visible across the entire North American continent along with parts of South America, Africa, and Europe. Pictured: Solar Eclipse BACKGRID USA 21 AUGUST 2017 BYLINE MUST READ: MediaPunch / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients - Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

This is the closest pic I had to the Diamond Ring effect.

The Solar Eclipse 2017 from Georgia

Hartwell, GA - The Moon is seen passing in front of the Sun during a solar eclipse in Hartnell, Georgia. A total solar eclipse swept across a narrow portion of the contiguous United States from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. A partial solar eclipse was visible across the entire North American continent along with parts of South America, Africa, and Europe. Pictured: Solar Eclipse BACKGRID USA 21 AUGUST 2017 BYLINE MUST READ: MGJR / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients - Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

This is from Georgia. It reminds me of The Black Spot in Treasure Island -- aka, when a pirate was marked for revenge or death by receiving a piece of paper thusly marked, like passing someone a deadly note in history class or something.

A cool close-up from Georgia.

The Solar Eclipse 2017 from Oregon

Boom! This was shot in Oregon. It's just stunning. Jess pointed out on Twitter how FREAKY this must have been back in The Olden Tymes when they didn't know it was coming or that it was temporary, and just thought the gods had blighted them.

Philadelphia, PA - Pictured is the solar eclipse at 80% complete in Philadelphia. Pictured: Solar Eclipse 2017 BACKGRID USA 21 AUGUST 2017 BYLINE MUST READ: MediaPunch / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients - Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

This is "at 80% complete in Philadelphia." Stunning. UNSETTLING. Awesome.

New York, NY - Pictured is the solar eclipse in New York. Pictured: Solar Eclipse in New York BACKGRID USA 21 AUGUST 2017 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients - Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

Here, it's New York, and also clearly some Dementors are en route.

DEATH EATERS COMING IN AT YOUR SIX O'CLOCK. ACTUALLY, JUST THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE CLOCK.

I saw a story before the eclipse even happened that was like, "Y'all, the one coming in 2024 is going to be even better, so don't even." I shall have to make that a date.

Los Angeles, CA - Kate Hudson takes a break on the set of 'Sister' and watches the Solar Eclipse 2017, with special glasses, at MacArthur Park on this Monday morning. Pictured: Kate Hudson BACKGRID USA 21 AUGUST 2017 BYLINE MUST READ: W Blanco / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients - Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

Conveniently we can also use this to admire Kate Hudson in a buzz cut, which she's sporting for Sia's movie project. I have NO IDEA what the creative there is supposed to be, but I hope those were real eclipse-approved lenses and not cheap knockoffs. THAT would be a mean prank.