No one can truly prepare a solar eclipse novice to the extraordinary moment of totality. You can say it gets cooler. You can tell them about the moon’s shadow rushing toward you. You can say it is spectacular.
Watching the eclipse with welder’s goggles.
Each of the events come in sequence. Watching the solar bands as they flicker in the ground. Explaining the ring of Fire that surrounds the shadow. And finally you can tell them about the absolute spectacular moments that encompass totality. You can tell them. But they cannot understand until they have actually experienced the moment. And then they know.
Watching the shadow come over the Grand Tetons.
That moment when the moon’s shadow reaches the sun and it goes black. And a sparkle of light flashes out one last time: the diamond ring. There are no words, Except, “Oh My God!”
Then comes the displays of light. The Bailey’s beads. The solar flares. The prominences that jump into the sky. You can now see them without the bright light of the sun blinding your eyes. And time seems to flicker by. Two minutes seem take just seconds to pass.
Ring of Fire!
Each eclipse has its own special corona. The white light that shoots out in all directions from the sun. This one seemed Star shaped.
I was blessed to see this eclipse in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with the Grand Tetons in the horizon. 500 of us were fortunate to be at the Jackson Hole Golf Club. A most glorious spot to see the magnificent sky show.
I am so blessed to have seen five eclipses. I am already looking forward to 2020 in Chile and 2024 in Texas!
I truly believe that everyone should see at least one eclipse. But I know if you do, you will want to see another and another. You will join our band of umbraphiles who wish to once again stand in totality and stand in the glory of the moon’s shadow.
zicharonot 
You almost make me regret not watching the eclipse. (I did watch a bit on television, but soon was bored by the constant chitchat with viewers about how far they’d come, etc.) I am glad you had such a great experience!
We have traveled to see four already. A total eclipse is special.
My doctor told me not to look even if I got glasses. So I didn’t…. Too bad the tv/online coverage was so annoying.
Once it reaches totality it is ok to look. But you did not have that.
No, we had 60%. Barely like a cloud going past.
I’m feeling silly right now for not driving a few hours to see it… 😉