American Eclipse

Listen 00:49:00

Guest: David Baron

A total solar eclipse will occur on August 21st of this year over the United States. That hasn’t happened since in the U.S. since 1878.  Science writer DAVID BARON tells the story of the last solar eclipse and the scientists who chased it across the country, in his new book, American Eclipse: The Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World.  Among these scientists was a young Thomas Edison, and Vassar astronomer Maria Mitchell, who wanted to prove women’s worth in science.  Baron writes about their adventures across the American frontier, facing train robberies, run-ins with Native Americans, and threatening clouds.

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