The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
By Jamie Carter & Debra Ross
Post Hill Press, New York, 2025
Rare and extraordinary events — like total solar eclipses — can do more than inspire awe; they can spark real, lasting change. In their bookThe Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities, authors Jamie Carter and Debra Ross show new, emerging, and seasoned leaders how to harness the energy and momentum of these rare opportunities to build connections, drive innovation, and leave lasting legacies. In a time of division and uncertainty, this book delivers a proven roadmap for uniting people, mobilizing talent, and turning once-in-a-lifetime catalysts into meaningful, long-term impact. Whether you’re leading a civic initiative, launching a business, or spearheading a nonprofit, The Eclipse Effect helps you recognize extraordinary opportunities, rally people around a shared vision, and create a legacy that lasts far beyond the moment itself.
What is the Eclipse Effect? It's a phenomenon that came to light during the work of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force to prepare North America for the "Great American" solar eclipses of August 2017, October 2023, and April 2024. It occurs when ordinary people harness extraordinary moments to create something remarkable and lasting. At its core, the Eclipse Effect begins with a catalyst — an event so compelling it captures attention and ignites curiosity in a small group of people who see its potential. If those visionaries work together to harness the catalyst’s momentum and deliberately unite people in the effort, they can make the most of the unique opportunity to push value into the world.
This book offers a framework for turning any catalyst — a natural event, milestone, or unique opportunity — into a lasting legacy. It is applicable to regions large and small, to businesses, to schools, to nonprofit boards, and even to families. By emphasizing vision, collaboration, and strategic action, it provides a roadmap for uniting diverse talents and communities to maximize potential and create meaningful, long-term impact in virtually any context.
About the Authors
Jamie Carter is an award-winning journalist and a leading voice in astro-tourism and eclipse chasing. A recipient of the 2023 Popular Media Award from the American Astronomical Society’s Solar Physics Division for his many articles on the U.S. solar eclipses, he has been a regular contributor to Forbes.com since 2018. Widely regarded as the world’s foremost solar eclipse journalist, Jamie is the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com.
Debra Ross is publisher & CEO of KidsOutAndAbout.com, a platform that celebrates communities throughout North America. A leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for community engagement, independent learning, and curiosity-driven exploration, Debra was chair of the Rochester, New York, Eclipse Task Force and national co-chair of the American Astronomical Society’s Solar Eclipse Task Force.
Buy the Book!
The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities is published by Post Hill Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster. It is available from the following sellers, among others.
United States:
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Attention educators and eclipse planners! The Eclipse Effect may be purchased in bulk quantities at a special discounted rate. Email Post Hill Press at orders@posthillpress.com for more information.
Learn More
For more about The Eclipse Effect, including a chapter-by-chapter summary, visit the book's website, TheEclipseEffect.com.