On Aug. 21, people in the U.S. observed their first coast-to-coast solar eclipse since 1918. Millions were successful in catching the full show directly, while others had to deal with dark bulky clouds or make do with live shows on social media. The exact figure is unknown, but it very well could be the most observed and snapped natural event ever.

The eclipse brought the whole nation under the sun to stand together in excitement and positivity, albeit only for a few hours, while forgetting about color, race, ethnicity and polarizing views.

Although all 50 states had parts where at least a partial eclipse was visible, only 14 of those had the opportunity to gaze at the entire eclipse, in its 70-mile-wide totality, the shady path in which a total solar eclipse could be perceived. The path of totality hardly touched the southwest corner of Iowa.

Many, including Iowa State community members, also traveled hundreds of miles to relish the rare, ephemeral, thrilling scenes of the total eclipse.

The excitement was at its peak and people enjoyed the whole day without any anger, fear, discrimination or political ideologies. Families and friends constellated lawns, streets and open grounds at midday on Aug. 21 to enjoy one of nature’s splendid galactic spectacles with love, peace and unity for the whole gorgeous day.

Besides all this excitement, researchers from different walks of science successfully collected a large amount of scientific data during this short-lived galactic event. Scientists will be working on this hefty data for years to answer various complex and mysterious questions of their respective fields.

In short, this natural celestial event proved to be an attractive force to unite the whole nation together. The nation should use this momentary natural event as a learning opportunity; if we can stay together for a few hours, we should be able to stay peacefully, hand in hand for the rest of this universe’s life.

Let’s envision together that the next total eclipse in 2024 and the one after that in 2045 will bring us more unity, peace, kindness and much more.