On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse was visible across the United States for the first time since 1979. (Find out how the solar eclipse messed with your horoscope.) As if watching a Super Bowl in the sky, millions of Americans rushed outdoors to participate in this extraordinary, monocultural event. Then, as soon as it was over, they rushed back indoors to tell solar eclipse jokes on Twitter. Here are some of the finest, funniest social media reactions to the great solar eclipse of 2017.
It all started when the moon decided to burn the sun.
HA HA HA I’ve blocked the Sun! Make way for the Moon. #SolarEclipse2017 pic.twitter.com/nZCoqBlSTe
— NASA Moon (@NASAMoon) August 21, 2017
Citizen scientists flocked to the streets, excited but mindful of proper eclipse-viewing etiquette.
During the eclipse, DO NOT look right at the sun. Make yourself look big, make noise, and back away slowly. Don't provoke a solar attack.
— Charles Bergquist (@cbquist) August 21, 2017
Etiquette that, for some, seemed a tad unusual.
Remember: It's dangerous to stare at the sun during the eclipse.
As opposed to every other day, when staring at the sun is safe and fun.
— James Breakwell (@XplodingUnicorn) August 21, 2017
Many concerned citizens even took animal safety into consideration.
Don't forget to put sunglasses on your dog! It won't protect them from the eclipse but honestly who cares– your dog looks COOL, enjoy it.
— Mike Ginn (@shutupmikeginn) August 21, 2017
But, as is always the case, some people refused to play by the rules.
Staring directly into the eclipse pic.twitter.com/uBy5IEbWY0
— "Sarah Schauer" (@SJSchauer) August 21, 2017
Others were eager to show solidarity with our closest star.
https://twitter.com/maddawggg21/status/898998808960540673
Even during a once-on-a-lifetime celestial event, not everyone was impressed.
https://twitter.com/InternetHippo/status/899031232767557632
Though the moon orbits about 238,900 miles away, it can still feel too close to home for some of us.
I really relate to this eclipse because I too want attention but don't want anyone to look directly at me.
— Best Coast (@BestCoast) August 21, 2017
Those of us who couldn’t score a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses had to get creative.
me taking quick glimpses at the eclipse cause i dont got no glasses pic.twitter.com/2JxPW5SG8R
— diego (@shadesof666) August 21, 2017
VERY creative…
My eclipse glasses. pic.twitter.com/d4RiUXNAYs
— jamie (@gnuman1979) August 20, 2017
Very, very, very creative…
I’m ready to watch the eclipse pic.twitter.com/HD3yS2aNjK
— Bucky Isotope (@BuckyIsotope) August 21, 2017
Not to mention resourceful.
#SolarEclipse2017 as seen through a saltine cracker. pic.twitter.com/BVPDB24cTC
— Megan Wilson-Reitz (@WilsonReitz) August 21, 2017
Some, of course, were ready with spoilers.
Since I'm in Hollywood, I got an early screener of the eclipse.
It's just ok.— andy lassner (@andylassner) August 21, 2017
But for those who missed the eclipse entirely, these cops are happy to recreate it (via donuts).
#FCSO Preparing for the solar eclipse like…
☀️🍩🌚 #SolarEclipse2017 pic.twitter.com/yOQBv8Arta— Fremont Sheriff (@Fremont_Sheriff) August 21, 2017
Here’s looking forward to the next solar eclipse in 2024! If we make it that long…
The eclipse is starting to worry me. pic.twitter.com/VHpbPolW0v
— Ron Gilbert (@grumpygamer) August 21, 2017
We hope you had a fun and meaningful eclipse! (If you happened to be one of those who didn’t follow the don’t-look-at-the-sun rule, here’s how to tell if you suffered eye damage.)
