Total Eclipse by Kenneth Field

On April 8th 2024 parts of the United States experienced a total eclipse. This occurs where the moon crosses the path of the sun, blocking the sun on earth for a short while. The shadow created by the alignment of the sun and moon plunges those in the ‘path of totality’ into darkness. At distances away from the path of totality a partial eclipse can be observed with diminishing amounts of obscuration of the sun. While most maps of an eclipse show the path of totality, and the times that you can expect to see the maximum amount of obscuration of the sun, this map goes further and illustrates precisely what you would expect to have seen at over 1,500 locations across the United States, assuming cloud-free skies. It uses a series of gridded small-multiple graphics that show the actual interplay of the moon and sun at the optimum moment, creating a map that shows the briefest slice of time. The use of colour mimics the experience of light to dark as you get closer to the path of totality. The printed lithograph uses print technology to emphasise the path of totality by overprinting a layer of spot gloss, as well as gold foil to illustrate the portion of the sun visible at each position across the map. The map literally lights up as you view it from different angles, bringing an altogether different viewing experience to the printed map.