Natasha and Nambo: A Love Story Under the Total Solar Eclipse in Mexico City

On a warm summer day, the sun was partially eclipsed under some trees in Ciudad Universitaria. The total eclipse was just beginning to be noticeable and it caused quite a commotion among the onlookers. There were applause, shouts of bravo, and finally a chorus of “Kiss Kiss!” The couple who sealed their courtship during this astronomical event were Natasha and Nambo, two students from the first semester of Economics.

Nambo had been planning this moment for days, but he couldn’t find the right words to express his feelings to Natasha. He thought that the eclipse would be the perfect opportunity to tell her how he felt about her. He arrived dressed in a tailored suit and tie despite the warm temperature. Natasha blushed with excitement as she listened to him while surrounded by curious witnesses.

The UNAM Civil Protection reported that 65 thousand people gathered in the university area to witness the eclipse. Families, children, and university students alike came to see this natural phenomenon unfold before their eyes. Many brought breakfast and birthday celebrations along with them to enjoy the eclipse together in a community setting.

Mexico City experienced its first total solar eclipse since 1973 on June 10th, 2021. The eclipse began at 10:55 am and reached maximum coverage of 74.71 percent obscuration at 12:14 pm. People expressed awe and beauty as they witnessed this rare event, with a faint breeze adding to the surreal atmosphere. Vladimir Anton Ávila Reese, a researcher at the UNAM Institute of Astronomy, described this moment as one that takes us out of everyday reality and shows us our place in the cosmic order. Total solar eclipses occur twice a year but are less frequent when viewed from land than from space or sea. The next total solar eclipse on Mexican territory will take place on March 30th, 2052 while the next planetary-level solar eclipse will occur on August 2nd