On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse crossed North America from the Pacific Coast of Mexico to the island of Newfoundland, off the eastern coast of Canada. —More than three centuries ago, in 1715, another solar eclipse hit the scene smack-dab in the middle of the Age of Enlightenment. The 1715 solar eclipse was noteworthy in many respects. Halley saw the upcoming solar eclipse as a chance to test out Newton’s theories of gravity and motion. —Leading up to the 2024 total solar eclipse, I prepared myself as best I could.