From 1979 to 2017: How we’ve changed since the Northwest’s last total solar eclipse

When the daytime sky darkens on Aug. 21, it’ll be the first time in more than 38 years that a total solar eclipse can be seen from the mainland U.S. A lot has changed since Feb. 26, 1979, when the track of totality stretched across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. But the interest in the science and spectacle surrounding an eclipse is, if anything, more intense.

The team at EmPower Solar, began thinking about how things have changed since the last eclipse and created photo sliders to give a side-by-side comparison. Click the middle of the photo and then drag the slider to either side to see how society has changed since the 1970s.

About the Author

EmPower Solar develops, engineers, installs, and services solar and battery systems for residential and commercial clients. Since 2003, EmPower Solar has empowered thousands of New York homeowners and businesses with 35 megawatts of distributed solar. Its vision is to create a new energy paradigm powered by clean, renewable energy for a more prosperous, healthy, and civil world. The company culture is defined by the EmPowering Way, which results in consistent 5-star customer service reviews. For more information visit empower-solar.com.