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We investigated the psychological effects of viewing the April 2024 total solar eclipse among adults in the United States. After eclipse-viewing, participants in three studies completed measures of affect, awe-connectedness and viewing context (alone/with others). Studies 2 and 3 also included pre-tests. Across studies, eclipse-viewers reported moderate levels of positive affect (PA), awe, and connectedness and low negative affect (NA). Repeated-measures analyses revealed main effects of time and viewing context on PA and awe. Eclipse-viewers reported higher levels of PA and awe after viewing than before, and when experiencing the eclipse with others compared to alone. People who experienced the eclipse with others reported the highest PA. Although correlational, our findings fit with numerous anecdotal reports of eclipse-viewing elevating positive awe and connectedness. Ideas for future eclipse-viewing studies are discussed.
Foy et al. (Fri,) studied this question.