A 1970 Ohio newspaper clipping is going viral for its foresightful headline about the total solar eclipse. The headline, “Millions See Eclipse, Next Showing in 2024,” accurately predicted the date of this year’s eclipse, which will be visible across North and Central America on April 8th. The total solar eclipse is expected to last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds along the path of total darkness.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon is closer to Earth than usual and passes directly between it and the sun, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. While total solar eclipses are less common than other types, we have one coming up soon! On August 12, 2026, skywatchers in Greenland, Iceland, and the Atlantic Ocean will be treated to an incredible sight.
A user commented, “Fascinating to see predictions of celestial events from the past. It reminds us of the awe-inspiring nature of the universe and our place within it. Science and history are intertwined in a single newspaper page.”
Another user wrote, “A 2024 solar eclipse forecast was made in 1970. Interesting. I can imagine some of those old people who read the newspaper then saying: “2024, that’s a long time to come! Would the world still exist by then?”‘
“Wow, it’s fascinating to see a newspaper from 1970 predicting this year’s solar eclipse! History does repeat itself in mesmerizing ways,” The third user wrote, “History repeats itself in mesmerizing ways.”