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2024 Total Solar Eclipse, Mexico Severs Ties with Ecuador, South Carolina's NCAA Triumph
Just reporting the facts.
Centrist Chronicle
April 09, 2024
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Today, a remarkable total solar eclipse will sweep across North America, captivating nearly 32 million residents who reside directly under its trajectory. This celestial event is particularly significant as it represents the last opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse from the United States for two decades.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon aligns precisely between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on our planet. The specific appearance of the eclipse—whether total or partial—depends on the moon's proximity to Earth, influenced by its elliptical orbit. Although total solar eclipses occur approximately every 18 months, their visibility is often limited to remote or hard-to-reach locations. In the past 100 years, the U.S. has only experienced 13 such events, with the most recent in 2017.
Anticipation for this astronomical spectacle has prompted millions to traverse the country in search of optimal vantage points. Accommodations in areas offering prime eclipse views are in high demand, with Airbnb listings filling up quickly. While some will enjoy the full eclipse experience, others will observe a partial shading of the sun.
Viewers are strongly advised to use special eclipse glasses for protection, as these lenses are designed to filter out the sun's harmful rays, significantly reducing the risk of eye damage. Regular sunglasses, despite their tint, do not offer adequate protection against the intense light of an eclipse.
Over the recent weekend, Mexico terminated its diplomatic relationship with Ecuador following an incident where Ecuadorean forces intruded into the Mexican embassy to apprehend Jorge Glas, the former Vice President of Ecuador, on accusations of corruption.
Glas, who held the vice-presidential office from 2013 to 2017, had previously been incarcerated due to convictions related to accepting bribes exceeding $13 million. He sought refuge in the Mexican embassy in Ecuador after his release in November amid ongoing corruption charges, claiming political persecution. On the same day Mexico granted him asylum, Ecuadorean authorities conducted the embassy raid.
This action has sparked global criticism, with many world leaders deeming Ecuador's intrusion a breach of international norms that consider embassies sovereign territories of their respective nations. Such incidents of embassy invasions are extremely rare in modern history. In response to these events, Mexico has decided to pull back its diplomatic staff and plans to bring the issue before the International Criminal Court. Additionally, the United Nations and various regional entities have voiced their disapproval of Ecuador's aggressive move.
The South Carolina Gamecocks, holding the No. 1 spot, clinched the NCAA women's basketball title, overcoming Iowa with an 87-75 victory. This win sealed an impeccable 38-0 season record for South Carolina, rectifying last year's semifinal defeat to the Hawkeyes.
In this decisive game, South Carolina's bench shone brightly, particularly through freshman guard Tessa Johnson, who netted a personal best of 19 points during her 25-minute game time, significantly contributing to the Gamecocks' bench outscoring Iowa's 37-0. This championship marks the third for the program, all under the leadership of coach Dawn Staley.
This season has set records for viewership in women's college basketball, with anticipation high for the viewership numbers from yesterday's finale, especially following the estimated 17 million viewers for the Iowa-Connecticut semifinal.
Switching to the men's competition, Connecticut overcame Alabama with an 86-72 victory, and Purdue defeated North Carolina State 63-50. These victories set the stage for tonight's showdown (9:20 pm ET, TBS) between Connecticut and Purdue, with Connecticut aiming to secure consecutive championships, a feat last achieved by Florida in 2006-07.