On August 21, millions of Americans in 14 states stood in the shadow of the moon for the total solar eclipse, the first one to graze the US in 38 years and the first to crisscross the entire country since 1979. It’s estimated that 88 percent of us spent some time that day watching the show in the sky.

When it came, we savored the precious moments of tranquility, unity, and wonder.

August’s total solar eclipse also made millions for the towns it passed through. Solar physicists got to make detailed observations of the sun’s inner atmosphere (which is only visible to us during an eclipse).

But there was a bigger reason the “Great American Eclipse” was such a stunning moment for science in the United States. The acute political tension running through the year meant everyone welcomed the chance to spend a day focused on the sun, “and not tearing each other down,” as one eclipse watcher told Vox.