The Stars Between Us

PixelMotionMedia

6 hours ago

Transcript

00:00:06Good afternoon, Eclipse Chasers!

00:00:10How's everyone doing out there?

00:00:12Yeah!

00:00:14We are just 30 short minutes away from the big event,

00:00:18and we couldn't ask for better conditions.

00:00:21So let's all get ready to have a fun, safe, and memorable Eclipse viewing!

00:00:34Okay, solar filter in place, and we're good to go.

00:00:46Hear that, Morgan? We're good to go?

00:00:48Yeah, yeah, that's amazing, Malcolm. I can't wait.

00:00:51Isn't this amazing?

00:00:54The first solar eclipse of the century, of our lifetimes,

00:00:57and, I mean, in the U.S. anyway, and here we are,

00:01:00smack dab in the middle of the path of totality.

00:01:03Pretty cool, huh?

00:01:05Yep.

00:01:06And lucky you.

00:01:07You get to experience it all with a Ph.D. candidate specializing in astronomy.

00:01:11Malcolm, I can barely get a signal up here.

00:01:14I'm gonna go down the hill and see if there's better reception.

00:01:16But the eclipse will be starting soon. You're gonna miss it.

00:01:19Not for, like, another half an hour.

00:01:22I'll be back in time, okay?

00:01:24I'll bring you a rocket dog.

00:01:27No, no, I-I said do you have the eclipse glasses?

00:01:30It's about to start.

00:01:32I'm trying my best, Kim.

00:01:34There's a ton of traffic.

00:01:35You know how important this is to me?

00:01:37You, Blake, you promised that you would be here on time.

00:01:39I know, and I'm trying.

00:01:41I'll be there as soon as I can.

00:01:43Okay.

00:01:54This is so great.

00:01:55Nice scope.

00:01:58Do you mind if I take a closer look?

00:01:59No.

00:02:00I mean, yes.

00:02:01I mean...

00:02:03Yes, uh, no, I don't mind.

00:02:05And yes, you can take a closer look.

00:02:06Okay.

00:02:08Well, it's definitely not consumer grade.

00:02:11No, and it's not mine either.

00:02:12It's, um, I'm getting my PhD in applied physics at SIU,

00:02:15specializing in astronomy,

00:02:16and, uh, the department let me borrow it.

00:02:19Wow.

00:02:20Well, it makes the telescope I grew up with

00:02:22look like an old-timey spyglass.

00:02:25Hey, what's the focal length on this?

00:02:28900 millimeters.

00:02:29It-it high magnification, but limited field of view

00:02:31should be perfect for today.

00:02:33Wow.

00:02:34You grew up with a telescope?

00:02:36Is that surprising to you?

00:02:38Oh, you're just so...

00:02:39I mean...

00:02:43I mean, you just don't look like the typical...

00:02:47Sorry, that-that sounded...

00:02:48I mean, I-I wasn't trying to...

00:02:50I mean, I-I didn't mean...

00:02:52I-I-I am...

00:02:54I have a girlfriend, so...

00:02:55Okay.

00:02:56Who's not interested in this stuff, like, at all.

00:03:01Yeah, she's, uh, down there somewhere.

00:03:05Yeah.

00:03:05Well, at least yours showed up.

00:03:06My fiancé is late, as always, and has our eclipse classes.

00:03:10Oh.

00:03:11Waited my whole life to see a total eclipse, but...

00:03:14Looks like I'm maybe gonna miss it.

00:03:18Here.

00:03:20Yeah, if Morgan doesn't come back, you can use these.

00:03:22Well, thank you.

00:03:26Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime?

00:03:34Because totality is on its way!

00:03:40That's cool.

00:03:41But the, um, the astronomy thing is really just more of a hobby for me.

00:03:45How'd you get into it?

00:03:46Uh, my mom, actually.

00:03:49Although, she's more into astrology than astronomy, so I know it's dumb.

00:03:53No, I don't think astrology is dumb.

00:03:55Without it, astronomy probably wouldn't even exist.

00:03:58What?

00:03:59Yeah, when you get right down to it, astronomy is about the study of celestial events.

00:04:03And astrology is about their interpretation.

00:04:05I mean, the what and the why, so to speak.

00:04:09And in ancient times, there really was no distinction between the two.

00:04:12It wasn't really until the 1700s that their paths split and they sort of went their separate ways.

00:04:18I mean, it's really...

00:04:22Sorry, I can get carried away sometimes.

00:04:24What? No, no, no, I love it.

00:04:26You're really good at explaining things.

00:04:28You make a great teacher.

00:04:30I don't know.

00:04:31I feel like I still have a lot to learn.

00:04:33But isn't that what's so amazing about the universe?

00:04:36There's just so much we don't know that we'll probably never know.

00:04:40I mean, how can you ever possibly hope to wrap your brain fully around something so vast and so just

00:04:47random and chaotic?

00:04:51Yeah, it's not all random and chaotic, though.

00:04:54There's so many things about the universe that feel intentional.

00:04:59Like it's perfectly designed.

00:05:03Perfectly designed?

00:05:05Yeah.

00:05:06Okay, like what, for example?

00:05:08Well, take the eclipse.

00:05:11Did you know the sun is 400 times larger than the moon, but the moon is 400 times closer to

00:05:17the Earth?

00:05:18That's why they fit together so perfectly on days like today.

00:05:22I mean, doesn't that feel too coincidental to be coincidence?

00:05:25It's also kind of romantic.

00:05:29And a little tragic.

00:05:31You know, like the sun and moon fit together so perfectly, but so rarely and just for a moment.

00:05:39And then once that moment is gone, it's a long time before it can be recaptured.

00:05:47This is it, everyone. The eclipse is one minute!

00:05:52One minute? What? I've totally lost track of time!

00:05:56Me too.

00:05:56Yeah.

00:05:57Do you wanna, should we?

00:05:58Yeah, we should.

00:06:03Okay.

00:06:03You ready?

00:06:04I think, yeah, just about there.

00:06:09Blake, finally!

00:06:11I'm here.

00:06:12Where are you?

00:06:12I'll be right there.

00:06:14I've got the glasses.

00:06:15I'll meet you at the main stage.

00:06:16You're the best.

00:06:19Um, my fiance made it.

00:06:22Oh, that's great.

00:06:24I, um, I guess I won't be needing these anymore.

00:06:31It was really nice meeting you.

00:06:34You too.

00:07:03All right, and here's a view of the last solar eclipse that was over North America.

00:07:06It's hard to believe that it's been seven years and already another one is upon us.

00:07:10And once again, Carbondale will be in the path of totality.

00:07:14And just a reminder to all you amateur astronomers, there are many ways to have a safe eclipse viewing experience.

00:07:20Just don't try to watch it through a colander. You'll only end up straining your eyes.

00:07:24Oh, boy. Thanks.

00:07:27Sorry, folks. Dad joke.

00:07:30Well, that's it for all of us here at WGZA News.

00:07:33Good night, Chicago.

00:07:34And we are clear.

00:07:37It was funny.

00:07:39It won.

00:07:41Great job, Keith.

00:07:42It was great. It was awesome. So good.

00:07:46I can't tell a joke.

00:07:48He's a news anchor and you're a news writer.

00:07:51They're not comedians, which is now completely obvious to the entire greater Chicago area.

00:07:57I am a part-time news writer. Thank you very much.

00:08:00I'm just trying to stand out around here.

00:08:02You stand out?

00:08:03Everyone loves your segment titles.

00:08:06Bucket Book Peril.

00:08:08Diets for Dogs.

00:08:09Oh, my personal favorite, Cat Cafe Catastrophe.

00:08:12Nobody cares who writes the segment titles.

00:08:16I just want to make my mark.

00:08:19I know I've only been back for four months, but I was gone for five years.

00:08:23You know I was supposed to come back after maternity leave, but I just got so attached I couldn't leave

00:08:28Anna.

00:08:29If I'd stuck to the plan, I'd be a reporter by now.

00:08:33Stop second-guessing your choices.

00:08:35Plans are made to change, and you love being a mom.

00:08:38I know.

00:08:39When it comes to becoming a reporter, you'll get there.

00:08:43You got to sub in for Carlos a few weeks ago, right?

00:08:46Yeah, that one. That one's super great.

00:08:48That was awesome.

00:08:49Please, you're not talking about the dreaded nickname, right?

00:08:52It's not bad.

00:08:53I just won't even say it.

00:08:54And you know, for the record, I did not freeze.

00:08:56My earpiece malfunctioned.

00:09:00You know, never mind. Forget it.

00:09:01I just can't catch a break.

00:09:04Hey, don't give up.

00:09:06I'm sure there'll be a great opportunity right around the corner.

00:09:09I'm sorry, Mr. Whitaker. I have to leave.

00:09:11My son is pink eye.

00:09:13Can't you get a babysitter?

00:09:14No. Pink eye is extremely contagious.

00:09:16I could have it too, for all I know.

00:09:18You can't do this to me, Julia.

00:09:19Sorry. I'm sorry. I have to go.

00:09:22What about the eclipse?

00:09:23Who am I going to send to Carbondale?

00:09:26Did you say Carbondale?

00:09:29Not now, Kim.

00:09:30Well, no, I mean, you know, I was actually in Carbondale for the last eclipse seven years ago.

00:09:36I know my way around the place.

00:09:38I was even at the festival.

00:09:39I'm sort of an astronomy nerd a little bit.

00:09:43Well, I used to be.

00:09:44So anyway, if you're looking for someone to fill Julia's place, maybe someone who has a little bit of on

00:09:50-camera experience.

00:09:52On-camera experience.

00:09:54I hope you're not referring to the freezer burn incident.

00:09:57That was not my fault.

00:09:58As I have told you repeatedly, that was an equipment malfunction.

00:10:01Never mind, never mind.

00:10:03Want the assignment?

00:10:04It's yours.

00:10:05Really?

00:10:07Sure.

00:10:08What do I care?

00:10:10End of the day, it's just, you know, another puff piece, right?

00:10:12It's not like I have any other options.

00:10:15Mr. Whitaker, I can do this.

00:10:18Look, uh, we're budgeted for a three-person team.

00:10:21Sorry.

00:10:21And you can choose your own camera person.

00:10:25Claire Reynolds.

00:10:26Um, if, you know, if she's available.

00:10:28Fine.

00:10:29But I want to keep my nephew on as field producer.

00:10:31Have you met Reed?

00:10:32Uh, Reed?

00:10:33No, uh, no, I don't think so.

00:10:34He's untested.

00:10:35So you'll have that in common?

00:10:39I promised my sister I'd give him a chance.

00:10:41Hopefully this gets her off my back.

00:10:43Mr. Whitaker, thank you so much for this opportunity.

00:10:46I will not let you down.

00:10:48Kim, I like you.

00:10:50And I was more than happy to bring you back

00:10:52after your leave of absence.

00:10:55But if this doesn't work out,

00:10:57I don't want to hear any more about you being in front of the camera.

00:11:00It's your last shot.

00:11:02Understood?

00:11:03Yes, sir.

00:11:04Challenge accepted.

00:11:07All right, go get him.

00:11:08Oh, yes.

00:11:08Yeah, I'm sorry.

00:11:09Okay, thank you.

00:11:12So the sky is going to get dark.

00:11:14So all the plants and the animals are going to think it's nighttime.

00:11:18So the petals and the flowers are going to close.

00:11:21And the birds are going to stop singing.

00:11:23And the bees are going to stop buzzing.

00:11:27You might even hear an owl.

00:11:29What do you think the owl will say?

00:11:30Oh, oh.

00:11:32You, you, Hannah Bananas.

00:11:34You, you.

00:11:37I'll miss you.

00:11:39I know, honey.

00:11:40I'm going to miss you, too.

00:11:42But it's only for one night.

00:11:44And I want you to listen to Grandma when I'm gone, okay?

00:11:46Can you do that?

00:11:48And you know she's so excited to watch the eclipse with you.

00:11:52I can't wait to see you on TV.

00:11:55Oh, well.

00:11:56Let's hope it's not for the last time.

00:11:59Will you wish me luck?

00:12:00Good luck, Mommy.

00:12:01I love you.

00:12:02Oh, come here.

00:12:03I love you, too, baby.

00:12:06Aha.

00:12:09I am so proud of you.

00:12:12Thanks, Mom.

00:12:13I feel like my life is finally getting back on track.

00:12:16You know, and if this goes well, maybe Anna and I can even get our own place.

00:12:21Get out of your hair.

00:12:22You know, I love having you and Anna here with me.

00:12:25I know, but it just, you know, doesn't feel great to be a 30-something single parent living at home

00:12:32with her mom because she can't afford to pay her own rent.

00:12:34Cut yourself some slack.

00:12:35You've been divorced for, what, a year now?

00:12:37One year, one month, two weeks, and five days, please counting.

00:12:40Next year is going to be your year.

00:12:44Back in January, when I did your astrology chart, it said great things are in store for you in both

00:12:50your career and romance.

00:12:52Okay, enough with the charts.

00:12:54Do you remember the chart that you did for me when Blake and I got engaged?

00:12:59I admit the stars may have been a teensy bit mistaken about Blake, but, Kimberly, this is different.

00:13:08Eclipses are powerful astrological events.

00:13:11They signify new beginnings and transformations, and that's exactly what you need, isn't it?

00:13:17It's like the stars and the planets are aligning just for you.

00:13:24I mean, it is kind of crazy that I'm heading back to Carbondale for another eclipse.

00:13:32You know, I almost missed the last one because of Blake. He was running late.

00:13:36And I wound up talking to this really nice grad student.

00:13:42He knew everything about astronomy and eclipses, and I kind of wonder what happened to him. He really connected.

00:13:55The sun and the moon are about to cross paths again. Maybe you and your mystery man will, too.

00:14:02What are the odds of that?

00:14:13You can't do it.

00:14:17Can't do what?

00:14:17I'll ask Dr. Longford to read my book. What if he says no? Or worse, what if he reads it

00:14:21and hates it? Then I'll never get it published.

00:14:23He's not gonna hate it. And if he does, he's a fool.

00:14:26Dr. Longford. Dr. Stanley Longford, who had one of the most viewed TED Talks of all time, you're saying he's

00:14:32a fool?

00:14:33If he doesn't recognize your genius, then yeah.

00:14:37I'm probably crazy to think you'd remember me anyway. I mean, yes, he was my favorite professor when I was

00:14:43getting my PhD, but that was ages ago.

00:14:45Would you relax? Listen, I don't know anything about astronomy, but I know you're a great teacher. And your book,

00:14:53what's it called again?

00:14:55The working title is Cosmic Phenomena and Their Effects on Early Cultures. A Study in Three Parts, Volume One.

00:15:05Look, I know you'll get your book to this Longfellow guy.

00:15:08Longford.

00:15:09Him too, because you can be very convincing when you want to be.

00:15:13You're right. You're right. Positive attitude. I'm gonna connect with Dr. Longford, and I'm gonna convince him to help me

00:15:19get my book published.

00:15:21Attaboy. Manifest it.

00:15:23Thanks for coming with me, by the way. I can't believe my TA bailed at the last minute.

00:15:26Honestly, I'm glad for the change of scenery and to forget about my breakup.

00:15:30Yeah. Oh, yeah. Last time it would be Eclipse was something to behold.

00:15:35What last time?

00:15:36Seven years ago. It ran through Carbondale too.

00:15:40That's weird. I mean, right?

00:15:43Cosmically speaking?

00:15:45I mean, their paths of totality are completely different.

00:15:47Last time it was Northwest to Southeast. This time it's Southwest to Northeast.

00:15:51But for some reason, they both run right through Carbondale, Illinois.

00:15:59Huh.

00:16:00Who would have thought a little college town in the heartland of America would turn out to be the center

00:16:05of the universe?

00:16:05Huh.

00:16:08Well...

00:16:11I think we're done here.

00:16:13I'm starting to think Whittaker doesn't consider this assignment a priority.

00:16:16This clunker is supposed to get us to Carbondale?

00:16:19Well, it's 300 miles away.

00:16:22It just has to hold together for five hours.

00:16:26Whoa.

00:16:27Four and a half the way I drive.

00:16:28Hi. Reid Harris, your producer.

00:16:30I'm going to be handling everything top to bottom, soup to nuts.

00:16:33That's a saying, right? Soup to nuts.

00:16:35I don't know. It just kind of sounds weird. You know what I mean?

00:16:38Like, what does that even mean?

00:16:40Anyway, doesn't matter. What I'm trying to say is that everything goes through me.

00:16:43So, as long as we all remember that, it is going to be smooth sailing. Promise.

00:16:47Great. I'm Kim, and this is Claire, our camera person. Nice to meet you, Reid.

00:16:52Okay. Kim, Claire, got it. Really looking forward to working with you guys. Girls. I mean, women.

00:16:58We're so excited to be working with you, too.

00:17:02So, Reid, can you tell us about some of the segments you've produced?

00:17:06Well, technically this will be my first, but I've done some great PA work.

00:17:10Wait, you haven't produced anything before?

00:17:12Not technically.

00:17:13You keep saying tactically, it's either you have where you have it.

00:17:18No, okay?

00:17:19But it's fine, okay? Uncle Pete gave me this assignment weeks ago.

00:17:24I was even working on it when Jillian was still on board. I even booked accommodations.

00:17:29Julia. Julia, the reporter that I'm replacing, her name is Julia.

00:17:33Jillian, Julia, I don't keep track of those small details. I'm more of a big picture guy, you know?

00:17:37Your job is all about the details. Soup to nuts, remember?

00:17:41Okay, it'll be fine. I'm prepared, I promise. Okay, so if you guys are ready to go, let's get moving.

00:17:47Great, let's do it.

00:17:48All right.

00:17:48Let's do it.

00:17:53What's the problem?

00:17:54I don't know. The door's stuck.

00:17:58It's not stuck. It's locked. Where are the keys?

00:18:03Found him.

00:18:12Okay. No, okay. No, it's okay. You know, it's okay. It's okay. You know what? This is my first problem.

00:18:18I'm the producer. I'm just going to produce a solution.

00:18:23Good.

00:18:24Got any ideas, maybe?

00:18:31Hi there. I am Kim Gallagher here at the Cardinal Regent Hotel in Carbondale, Illinois, the unofficial headquarters of this

00:18:39year's total eclipse.

00:18:40People have gathered from far and wide to witness the...

00:18:45You can't, you can't hear me. Far and wide was like, I don't know, it was kind of like, I

00:18:49don't know. I'm gonna try that again. Okay, ready?

00:18:54Three, two, hi there, Chicago. It's Kim Galaxy here with what did I just say was my last name?

00:19:02Galaxy.

00:19:03Galaxy.

00:19:04I got my actual name wrong.

00:19:05Yeah, it's a good thing we're not live. Is this why everyone calls their freezer burn?

00:19:09Wait, what?

00:19:10Maybe we should take a break and regroup.

00:19:13Yeah.

00:19:14No, I gotta get this. Other people are waiting. So, we're gonna, just gonna do it.

00:19:17Oh, okay.

00:19:17Just gonna do it. Okay, let's go. Let's go.

00:19:22A lot of people here. I had no idea eclipses were such a thing. It might actually be pretty fun.

00:19:28I've got work to do. You can concentrate on fun.

00:19:30You don't concentrate on fun, Malcolm. You just have it.

00:19:34Travis, I've got research to conduct, eclipse footage to record, and I've got to get my book to Dr. Longford.

00:19:42I'm not here for fun.

00:19:45All right. No fun allowed. Got it.

00:19:49How do you know it's on?

00:19:50What is it on?

00:19:51It's on.

00:19:53Oh, hey, look. It's the news. You want to try to get on TV?

00:19:58All right, ready?

00:19:59Be careful.

00:20:00Sorry. Yeah.

00:20:01Everything all right?

00:20:02I think so. It's just very delicate equipment. What were you saying?

00:20:05Uh, it's just...

00:20:06The news.

00:20:07Hi, I'm Kim Gallagher here in beautiful Carbondale.

00:20:09Is there not interviewing Dr. Longford?

00:20:11I'm not interested.

00:20:13For the first time in 70 years, in se... Oh, seven. In seven years,

00:20:18that the eclipse will be passing over the exact same spot in the sky that it did just...

00:20:23What are the... Oh, God. Oh, you know what? I...

00:20:26Can we maybe just, like, change up the angle or something?

00:20:29I... Can I see your research notes, Reed?

00:20:31My what?

00:20:33Your research?

00:20:33What?

00:20:34You know, like, on the hotel, on the town. You did do research, didn't you?

00:20:37No. No one told me that I was supposed to be doing that.

00:20:41I...

00:20:41Reed, that's just basic preparation.

00:20:44Oh, my... You know what? Never mind. Never mind. I will, uh... I'll figure it out.

00:20:47What do we think about the tone, though? You know, should I, like, change it up a little bit?

00:20:50Make it, like, fun and breezy, or more, like, science-y and serious?

00:20:53Yeah. What should we do?

00:20:53How about over and done?

00:20:58What?

00:20:58Steve Hartwin.

00:21:00KCYD, St. Louis News.

00:21:01Uh, Kim Gallagher, WGCA Chicago.

00:21:04Oh, hey, Kim. Nice to meet you.

00:21:06Listen, I was wondering, could you do me a favor? You know, colleague to colleague?

00:21:09Yeah, absolutely. What do you need?

00:21:10Did you get out of the way, Kim?

00:21:12Um, what?

00:21:13My team have been watching you and your painful attempts to say anything coherent for the last ten minutes,

00:21:19and, uh, gosh, we're just plum out of patience.

00:21:22Wow.

00:21:23Yeah.

00:21:23Okay.

00:21:23Well, look, you're not the only one trying to record a stand-up here today.

00:21:26And I'm just worried that by the time you finally get it right, the light will be gone, and we're

00:21:31gonna be covering the next eclipse.

00:21:32Yeah.

00:21:32Move, please.

00:21:33I got it. Okay. Sorry.

00:21:35Hey, don't worry. You can have a spot back when I'm done.

00:21:39Rude. Don't worry about it. We got everything we need.

00:21:43We do?

00:21:44Yeah, we could piece something together.

00:21:46We can?

00:21:47Why don't you go to the van, send the editors what we have, and Kim and I will check in.

00:21:52Okay.

00:21:53Well, this is off to a terrific start.

00:21:55It's not how you start. It's how you finish.

00:22:00This is Steve Hartwin at the Cardinal Regent Hotel in Carbondale, Illinois. Back to you, Beverly.

00:22:12That's actually pretty impressive.

00:22:14You know what might help the edit? If I get some B-roll of the lobby.

00:22:18Oh, yeah.

00:22:18You go find out. I'll be right there.

00:22:19Okay.

00:22:25Hey, Reed, what's up?

00:22:28You what?

00:22:30Okay, I'll be right there.

00:22:32Claire?

00:22:34So, Reed left the lights on in the van and now the battery's dead.

00:22:37You're kidding.

00:22:38I wish I was. Can you handle check-in?

00:22:40Yeah, sure. Thanks.

00:22:42Good luck.

00:22:43Dr. Brooks?

00:22:46Oh, boy.

00:22:47What? Who is that?

00:22:48Former student. Incredibly smart, but she's got a lot of energy.

00:22:52Dr. Brooks. Meredith Gordon.

00:22:54I was in your Astronomy 101 class three years ago.

00:22:57Meredith, of course. Great to see you again.

00:23:01This is my friend Travis. He's also-

00:23:03Oh, I know Professor Wesley.

00:23:05My best friend Carolyn was in your film studies class.

00:23:07She thought you were the greatest.

00:23:09Huh. Sounds like a bright young mind.

00:23:10I was really hoping you'd be here.

00:23:12I remember you saying how amazing the last eclipse was to watch,

00:23:15so I just had to come see for myself.

00:23:16I'm glad to hear you're still interested in stargazing.

00:23:19Oh, I am. I'm even getting my masters, and my thesis is on the Sun's Corona.

00:23:24But my telescope isn't working right.

00:23:27Do you think you could take a look at it?

00:23:29There is nothing he would love more than to help perform a student.

00:23:33Right?

00:23:34Go ahead, I'll get us checked in.

00:23:37Sure, let's go take a look.

00:23:38Okay.

00:23:44A Panasonic AJPX 800G.

00:23:48Nice.

00:23:51Built-in optimal conversion lens, improved 3MOS sensor.

00:23:55You know your cameras.

00:23:57A little.

00:23:59I'm a film professor at a junior college in Arizona.

00:24:03We don't have anything as impressive as that, but I like to stay up to date on these things.

00:24:07Arizona, huh? Long way from home.

00:24:09Oh, my buddy's an astronomer.

00:24:11His assistant canceled, so he asked me to tag along.

00:24:16What about you?

00:24:17I'm a camera person for a local news station in Chicago.

00:24:20I used to be a camera person too, but unfortunately I had to give it up.

00:24:25Why's that?

00:24:26Keep losing focus.

00:24:34Okay, this is not my fault.

00:24:35The lights are supposed to turn off when you shut it off.

00:24:37What kind of vehicle did they give us?

00:24:38We are the B Team breed.

00:24:40We get what we get, and we don't get upset, and there's no use in complaining, okay?

00:24:43Um, maybe there's a battery booster stashed inside.

00:24:49Everything alright?

00:24:50Yeah, we're all good, thanks.

00:24:52Stop!

00:24:53You sure you don't need any help?

00:24:55No, we're good.

00:24:56Ah!

00:24:57Reed!

00:24:58I found one!

00:25:01Okay, here we go.

00:25:04Come on, you're saying it sounds like a calibration issue.

00:25:06Usually not that big a deal.

00:25:09Wow, what a beauty.

00:25:11Yeah, thanks.

00:25:12There's a college graduation gift.

00:25:14Think you could fix it?

00:25:16I think so.

00:25:17I have a collimator with me, so we should set it up first, though.

00:25:20Make sure we get it right.

00:25:22Okay.

00:25:27Yes!

00:25:28We got it!

00:25:29How was your trip from Chicago?

00:25:32More exciting than I would have liked.

00:25:34We have the world's oldest news van with the world's youngest producer at the wheel.

00:25:38Next, please.

00:25:39Next, please.

00:25:41Off to you.

00:25:46Hi, checking in.

00:25:47WGZA News.

00:25:50WGZA.

00:25:52Yes, for one room?

00:25:55One room?

00:25:56No, it should be three.

00:25:58I...

00:25:59I'm only showing the one.

00:26:02Well, that's...

00:26:03That's not gonna work.

00:26:04We need two more.

00:26:05I'm so sorry.

00:26:06We don't have any other rooms available.

00:26:09Weesh.

00:26:13We are here in Carbondale, Illinois, where workers are busy setting up for tomorrow's

00:26:18festival.

00:26:20Festival.

00:26:21Keep going.

00:26:22Keep going.

00:26:22Dozens, if not hundreds, of eclipsed enthusiasts are...

00:26:29Let's just try that again.

00:26:29Yeah, we're live.

00:26:30We're live, Reed.

00:26:31What?

00:26:31Yep.

00:26:33So, um, there you have it.

00:26:35That's it.

00:26:36And I am Kim Gallagher, live from Carbondale, and I will see you again tomorrow for the

00:26:42big event.

00:26:43Back to you, Keith.

00:26:45Claire.

00:26:47Oh, God.

00:26:47Kim, that was...

00:26:48That was...

00:26:49I don't...

00:26:49No, don't.

00:26:50Okay.

00:26:52Ow.

00:26:53That was not my fault.

00:26:54No one told me we were going to go live.

00:26:57Yes, we did.

00:26:58Yes, we did.

00:26:59You were playing Candy Crush on your phone.

00:27:00Claire said we're about to go live, and you said, uh-huh.

00:27:02It wasn't Candy Crush.

00:27:03It was...

00:27:04Oh, you stop, Reed.

00:27:04Oh, Reed.

00:27:06You are the producer, okay?

00:27:07We are depending on you.

00:27:09You said that you would be prepared.

00:27:10You said that you wanted to be in charge of all of this.

00:27:13I am in charge.

00:27:14Then start acting like it.

00:27:23Oh, that was a disaster.

00:27:26Could have gone better.

00:27:27Claire?

00:27:28He walked into a live shop.

00:27:32Which I should actually probably thank him for since I was so terrible.

00:27:35Well, you...

00:27:36You...

00:27:37You were...

00:27:38Terrible.

00:27:38I was...

00:27:40Terrible adjacent.

00:27:41I am...

00:27:42I am...

00:27:43I'm blowing it, Claire.

00:27:46I'm just...

00:27:48I feel like such a fraud.

00:27:50I am...

00:27:52Cam!

00:27:53I am...

00:28:12Hey.

00:28:13It's the camera woman.

00:28:15It's the professor.

00:28:20My name's Claire, by the way.

00:28:22Travis.

00:28:24Mind if I...

00:28:27Yeah?

00:28:33Isn't it weird that when you meet someone who's fun, cool, and easy to talk to, you always forget to

00:28:39ask them their name?

00:28:40You think I'm fun and cool?

00:28:43And easy to talk to.

00:28:47Right now, you look like someone who has something to talk about.

00:28:51Shoot, not going well?

00:28:53Are you psychic?

00:28:55Sometimes.

00:28:57Excuse me.

00:28:58May I please grab a beer and can I buy you a drink?

00:29:02Sure.

00:29:09Wait, so you're a film professor and your favorite movie of all time?

00:29:14Is Weekend at Bernie's, too.

00:29:16Yeah, right.

00:29:17It's true.

00:29:18You'd think they couldn't outdo the first, but somehow they managed.

00:29:24So I saw they had a food truck outside.

00:29:26So what do you say?

00:29:27Oh, Kim.

00:29:27Hey, this is Travis.

00:29:29He's...

00:29:29Hi, Travis.

00:29:30So Reed has locked himself in the hotel room.

00:29:33Oh, I get such a handful.

00:29:34Yeah, and he's now having a temper tantrum.

00:29:36So that's fun.

00:29:37Can you help me?

00:29:37Yeah, sorry.

00:29:38Apparently there's a crisis I need to do.

00:29:40Hey, I saw there's going to be a potty in the ballroom later.

00:29:42Maybe I'll see you there?

00:29:44Yeah, that would be great.

00:29:46Sorry.

00:29:47Sorry.

00:29:48You were too harsh on Reed.

00:29:49You should have apologized.

00:29:50Why should I apologize?

00:29:52Because Kim, he's just a kid and one of you has to be the adult.

00:29:56Well, I am an adult.

00:30:07Hey.

00:30:09Ready to go grab a bite?

00:30:12Everything okay?

00:30:15Yeah.

00:30:16Everything's great.

00:30:18It's taco time.

00:30:19Let's do it.

00:30:23Reed, please open the door.

00:30:26Let me try apologizing.

00:30:29Okay, fine.

00:30:32Reed?

00:30:32Hey, Reed?

00:30:34Look, I'm sorry about what happened before.

00:30:37I shouldn't have gotten angry.

00:30:41Will you please just open the door?

00:30:49I'm sorry, too.

00:30:52There, that's a start.

00:30:54Now, listen.

00:30:56We have a job to do tomorrow.

00:30:57And if we're going to do it right, you two need to work out your issues.

00:31:01So, do not join me until you've talked this out.

00:31:05Okay?

00:31:06Okay.

00:31:07Okay.

00:31:14Sorry about the room.

00:31:15We can call down to the front desk and have a roll away brought up.

00:31:22I really am sorry.

00:31:26I really am sorry.

00:31:27I keep messing up.

00:31:28Everyone keeps expecting me to fail.

00:31:30And I am really trying.

00:31:34I know.

00:31:36I know.

00:31:36I know you are.

00:31:37I'm sorry that I've been so hard on you.

00:31:40It's just this is such a big opportunity for me.

00:31:45You know, when I was your age, I was just brimming with confidence.

00:31:48Ten feet tall and bulletproof, you know?

00:31:50Well, but then, after so many years out of the workforce, I think I'm just not as sure of myself

00:31:59as I used to be.

00:32:02Maybe not as competent either.

00:32:06A little while ago, I was given the chance to do a live report on this fire downtown.

00:32:11It was the first time your uncle had ever given me a chance to speak on camera.

00:32:15I called the segment Flames of Fury.

00:32:18Wow.

00:32:19Yeah.

00:32:19That's good.

00:32:20No.

00:32:20Yeah.

00:32:21Too bad my performance wasn't.

00:32:24I've been blaming it on a faulty headpiece, but the reality is I just froze up.

00:32:30A freezer burn thing.

00:32:31Yeah.

00:32:31A freezer burn thing.

00:32:34But I, I am not going to let that define me.

00:32:39You get knocked down, you get right back up again.

00:32:42And, and all those people who think that we can't do this, well, we're just going to have to prove

00:32:46to them that we can.

00:32:48And we're going to have to prove that to ourselves, too, you know?

00:32:51Actually, especially to ourselves.

00:32:53And I, I actually really believe that we can help each other succeed.

00:32:59Right?

00:33:01Right.

00:33:02Right.

00:33:03Yeah, okay, so, you know, we're a team.

00:33:06Let's start acting like one.

00:33:08Yeah.

00:33:14Hey, man.

00:33:15Have you ever had an immediate connection with someone you've only just met?

00:33:20Yeah.

00:33:21Once.

00:33:22Why?

00:33:23So, that guy that you were talking to, the funny, nice guy with a cute accent that was about to

00:33:30ask me out before you dragged me away.

00:33:32I'm sorry.

00:33:33That's okay.

00:33:34I'm sure I'll see him again.

00:33:36Well, his name's Travis.

00:33:37Her name's Claire, and I don't know what to tell you, man.

00:33:43Butterflies, fireworks, the whole nine yards.

00:33:46I've just never connected with someone so quickly, you know?

00:33:50I mean, I only came out here to work and hang out with you, and all of a sudden, my

00:33:55dream man's right in front of me?

00:33:57I mean, what are the chances?

00:33:59The universe is funny that way.

00:34:02Sometimes things just line up.

00:34:04Okay, did you know that the sun is 400 times the size of the moon?

00:34:07But the moon is 400 times closer to the earth.

00:34:10That's why they seem like a perfect fit during an eclipse.

00:34:14Of course, that perfect fit only lasts for a moment.

00:34:17And then once that moment's gone...

00:34:24Claire, you never know when you're going to find a perfect fit.

00:34:27But if you think there's a chance that this is your perfect fit...

00:34:30My advice to you is don't let it pass you by.

00:34:38As you can see, everyone here at the Eclipse Festival knows how to let loose and enjoy themselves.

00:34:45Well, that's all for tonight.

00:34:46Tune in tomorrow for the big event, the Total Eclipse.

00:34:53I feel ridiculous in this thing.

00:34:56Well, since everyone else here is wearing them, you'd look ridiculous if you took it off.

00:35:00Now, come on.

00:35:01Help me find Claire.

00:35:02Are you sure you need me here?

00:35:04Why don't I just be like a third wheel?

00:35:05She's got a friend.

00:35:06I might need you to be my wingman.

00:35:08Now, wait here.

00:35:09I'm going to go do a loop, see if I can spot her.

00:35:11I'll be right back.

00:35:18Dr. Burks?

00:35:19Sorry, Malcolm?

00:35:20Yeah, it's me.

00:35:21I'm surprised you're here.

00:35:23I don't think of you as a party person.

00:35:25Oh, I'm not.

00:35:26I'm here for Travis.

00:35:28I should be trying to get a hold of Dr. Longford,

00:35:30but I don't think his assistant believes he knows me.

00:35:33Wait, you know Dr. Longford?

00:35:34I'm trying to get him to read this book I wrote.

00:35:37You wrote a book?

00:35:39What's it called?

00:35:41Cosmic Phenomena and Their Effects on Early Cultures, A Study in Three Parts, Volume 1.

00:35:45Wow.

00:35:46I so want to read that.

00:35:48Oh, oh, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

00:35:50Thank you to a successful shoot.

00:35:54I'm going to jump to that.

00:35:57Paul, what time is it?

00:36:00It's like 5 to 8.

00:36:01It's Anna's bedtime.

00:36:02I'm going to grab my phone and give her a quick call.

00:36:03Okay.

00:36:08Hey, Claire, is that you?

00:36:11Great.

00:36:11Yeah.

00:36:12I don't miss you at dinner.

00:36:13Yeah.

00:36:14So I'm trying to get better at this job,

00:36:15so I spent some time preparing for tomorrow.

00:36:17That's good.

00:36:18We weren't anything falling to the cracks, right?

00:36:21Hi, baby.

00:36:23Hi, Mom.

00:36:24Mommy, we saw you on TV.

00:36:25You were funny.

00:36:27Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it, but I wasn't supposed to be funny.

00:36:32I, uh, Mommy actually made a few mistakes.

00:36:34I'm sure no one noticed.

00:36:35Everyone noticed.

00:36:37I, I just hope we can pull it together by tomorrow.

00:36:40Come on, honey, you're going to be great.

00:36:43Here, listen to your horoscope.

00:36:45Oh, please, I don't want to hear the horoscope.

00:36:48Well, expertise will guide you to your heart's desire.

00:36:55That sounds promising, doesn't it?

00:36:57Uh, well, it might if expertise weren't in such short supply.

00:37:00The only one here who has any idea what they're doing is Claire.

00:37:03Mommy?

00:37:04Yeah, baby?

00:37:05What if I get scared tomorrow during the eclipse?

00:37:08Yeah, we're, um, we're struggling a little bit with the idea of it getting dark in the daytime.

00:37:13Yeah, that does sound scary.

00:37:15Hey, but you know what? Sometimes it's okay to be scared.

00:37:19You know why?

00:37:20Why?

00:37:21Because when you're scared, it gives you a chance to be brave.

00:37:25And no one's braver than you, right?

00:37:27Right.

00:37:28What?

00:37:28Okay, I love you. I love you.

00:37:31Bye.

00:37:32Bye, sweetheart.

00:37:37It's just, if you're serious about a career in academia, you've got to get published.

00:37:41But, uh, I worry my book's just not good enough.

00:37:45How can it not be good enough?

00:37:47You're the best teacher I ever have.

00:37:49Getting published is no easy feat.

00:37:51Dr. Longford, with his contacts, his clout, he's my best shot at getting it in the right hands.

00:37:57Attention, please! Can I have your attention?

00:38:00Attention, I have a fantastic surprise for all of you.

00:38:05A very, very special guest has just called in to say hello.

00:38:11So, let's give a warm welcome to Dr. Stanley Longford!

00:38:24Hello, Eclipse Chasers.

00:38:26Ah, just look at this place.

00:38:30I just want to say, I'm excited to see you all at tomorrow's festival.

00:38:36And after the eclipse, I'll be recording a special live episode of my podcast from the park.

00:38:44I may even choose one or two of you lucky folks to join me.

00:38:48How does that sound?

00:38:50Now, get back to the party, but don't stay out too late.

00:38:54Big day tomorrow.

00:38:55Tomorrow, and remember, keep your head in the clouds.

00:38:59And the stars in your eyes.

00:39:05Excuse me.

00:39:07Sorry, this might be a silly question, but who is that guy?

00:39:10Dr. Longford?

00:39:11Yeah.

00:39:12He's, um, well, he's a lot of things.

00:39:14He's a college professor, author.

00:39:16He's probably best known for hosting this really great astronomy podcast.

00:39:20And that's the way he signs off every episode.

00:39:22Keep your head in the clouds and the stars in your eyes.

00:39:25Yeah, okay.

00:39:26He's, um, kind of a rock star with this crowd.

00:39:29Yeah, he's an expert on all things cosmic.

00:39:33Huh.

00:39:35Expertise will guide you to your heart's desire.

00:39:38Pardon?

00:39:39Um, sorry, something from my horoscope.

00:39:42I don't usually pay attention to that kind of thing, but at this point, I will take all the help

00:39:47the universe can give me.

00:39:49I hear you.

00:39:50I could use some help from the universe myself right now.

00:39:52You know, someone really smart once told me that astrology and astronomy were once very tightly connected, that you couldn't

00:40:00have one without the other.

00:40:01That's true, actually.

00:40:03Yeah, it wasn't until the 1700s, really, that they...

00:40:05Oh, uh, sorry, I just, I have to take this.

00:40:08Okay, bye.

00:40:17Hey, guys, hey.

00:40:19It's Mr. Whittaker.

00:40:21What do I do?

00:40:22Answer it!

00:40:22Don't answer it!

00:40:23What if he fires me?

00:40:24He's not gonna fire you, just, just answer it.

00:40:27Hi, uh, this is Kim, what's up?

00:40:30What's going on?

00:40:30Sounds like you're at a party.

00:40:31We are, uh, but we're working.

00:40:34We're getting some great footage.

00:40:35Is my nephew with you?

00:40:36Yep, he's right here.

00:40:38Hey, Uncle Pete.

00:40:39I need you to hear this, too.

00:40:41Terrible job today.

00:40:42Yes, sir.

00:40:43Sorry, um, we're so sorry about that.

00:40:44We had a bit of a miscommunication, but we promise that we will have it all together tomorrow.

00:40:49Hey, you better.

00:40:49Because I just talked to the network, and it turns out the St. Louis affiliate didn't send a team to

00:40:55Carbondale.

00:40:55So, and I told them, we have a team there. They decided they want us to go national.

00:41:01National?

00:41:02And live, of course.

00:41:04Oh.

00:41:04And live, of course.

00:41:06Okay, I don't want you to change anything.

00:41:09Just keep on reporting exactly how you planned. Just, you know, better.

00:41:15Yeah, yeah, better. Absolutely. Yep, we can do that.

00:41:18This is a huge opportunity.

00:41:20We're gonna be seen by millions of people across the country.

00:41:25So, don't mess this up. Bye now.

00:41:27Um, congratulations?

00:41:31Yes.

00:41:32Yeah, live. Live national. It's an opportunity of a lifetime is what it is.

00:41:36Pam, if you nail this, you'll be regular on-camera talent for sure.

00:41:40Yeah, but if I mess this up, then I will never get another chance.

00:41:44Not just at WGZA, but anywhere, because I will have messed up on live national television.

00:41:50Focus on the positive.

00:41:52Yeah, okay, you know what? We need to up our game.

00:41:54Okay, back to the hotel room. Let's, uh, we got work to do. Let's go.

00:41:57Come on.

00:41:59Oh, to my, oh.

00:42:00Claire!

00:42:01Travis!

00:42:03I've been looking for you.

00:42:05Likewise, these, uh, masks definitely upped the degree of difficulty.

00:42:09There you are.

00:42:10Oh, Malcolm.

00:42:11Meet Claire, TV news camera person extraordinaire.

00:42:15Claire, I've heard great things.

00:42:18Well, it's nice to meet you.

00:42:21Where's your friend, Kim, right?

00:42:23She and Reed, our producer, we just got some big news about our report tomorrow, so they

00:42:29went off to prepare.

00:42:30That's great!

00:42:31But also, too bad, she's single, right?

00:42:34I was gonna introduce her to my buddy Malcolm here.

00:42:36Travis, I'm not, sorry, I'm not looking for anything.

00:42:39It's okay, Kim's kind of got a lot on her plate right now.

00:42:42I know the feeling.

00:42:45Well, Malcolm's sworn off fun, but would you like to dance?

00:42:49I would love to dance.

00:42:52It's nice to meet you.

00:42:53You too.

00:42:56I don't even need to look far for the answers.

00:43:02Kiss you like the sun and the moon.

00:43:06Yeah, I don't need to reach.

00:43:09I don't need to reach.

00:43:29Hey, did you see that video?

00:43:31Uh, Dr. Longford, I think.

00:43:33He's apparently, like, a really big deal.

00:43:35Might be-

00:43:35Well, well, well, look who it is.

00:43:37Say, did you, uh, did you ever get through that stand-up?

00:43:41Don't beat yourself up.

00:43:42I mean, not everybody is cut out to be on camera.

00:43:45If she's not good at what she does, why was she chosen to go national tomorrow?

00:43:49National?

00:43:50You?

00:43:52Kim, right?

00:43:54Uh-huh.

00:43:55Look, uh, Kim, I know you're new to this, so let me give you a little insight.

00:44:00It's a tough business.

00:44:02You've got to be willing to do whatever it takes.

00:44:05I mean, do you really think you're ready for a live national report?

00:44:12You know what?

00:44:14I'm a single working mom, and I deal with pressure every day that would flatten a guy

00:44:18like you, so if you think I can't handle a live national report, I just have two words

00:44:22for you.

00:44:24Stay tuned.

00:44:26So can you just-

00:44:29You, um, you might want to work on your wrap-up.

00:44:36You couldn't have held the door open?

00:44:41There's Leo, and that's Libra, and the big one in the middle, that's Virgo.

00:44:45Uh, which one's Virgo?

00:44:46I'm a Virgo.

00:44:47Oh, all right.

00:44:48Right there.

00:44:49You see that really bright star?

00:44:51It's called Spica.

00:44:52It's actually one of the brightest stars in the entire galaxy.

00:44:56Which makes perfect sense that it's in the constellation for your astrology sign.

00:45:03You better stop.

00:45:04I'm extremely susceptible to flattery.

00:45:09It was constellations that actually made me first fall in love with the cosmos.

00:45:13I was fascinated by the idea that I was looking at the same stars that the ancient Babylonians

00:45:19and Greeks first identified thousands of years ago.

00:45:21Made me feel small, but at the same time aware that I was part of something huge.

00:45:31The stars, they-they connect us to the past, to the future, to each other.

00:45:39When I was younger, I used to-

00:45:43I'll leave you two alone.

00:45:44Oh, oh no, don't go.

00:45:46It's early.

00:45:47Yeah, Malcolm, stay, please, as much as I'd like to.

00:45:51I've got a big day tomorrow.

00:45:52I should go get some rest.

00:45:54You two have a great night.

00:45:55Oh, wait, wait, before you go.

00:45:57Selfie time.

00:45:58Oh, you don't want me in your picture.

00:45:59Oh, come on.

00:46:01Get in here.

00:46:03All right.

00:46:04Hey, ready?

00:46:06Hey, everyone say, starstruck.

00:46:09Starstruck.

00:46:11All right, guys, have a good night.

00:46:12Good night.

00:46:13Good night, Malcolm.

00:46:14We have another call coming in.

00:46:15I'll put you on hold.

00:46:16Okay, yeah, I'll hold.

00:46:17Can you look?

00:46:18Well, I managed to track down Dr. Long for his assistant.

00:46:20I've got her on the phone right now.

00:46:21That's great.

00:46:22Will you do it?

00:46:23Okay, well, what do you want?

00:46:24You want the bad news or the worst news?

00:46:25Oh, just give me-

00:46:26Can you say the things-

00:46:27Okay, okay, yes.

00:46:27The bad news is he's already booked pre-Eclipse interview.

00:46:30What?

00:46:31Yeah.

00:46:31No, with who?

00:46:32Well, that's the worst news.

00:46:34Remember our friend?

00:46:35From the elevator?

00:46:36Steve Hartwin?

00:46:38Oh, I can't believe he beat us.

00:46:40That pompous, spray-tanned cap tooth-

00:46:44Well, yeah, hold on.

00:46:44He hasn't beaten us at anything yet.

00:46:48I have a plan.

00:46:48I'm going to have to-

00:46:49Mr. Harris?

00:46:49Are you there?

00:46:50Yeah, hold on.

00:46:51Okay, yeah, I'm going to put you-

00:46:53Hold on.

00:46:53I'm going to put you on speaker.

00:46:54Okay, great.

00:46:56Yes, okay, hi.

00:46:57You are here with our star reporter, Kim Gallagher.

00:47:00Hi, hello, hi, yes.

00:47:02Mr. Harris, as I told you earlier-

00:47:04You know, I understand.

00:47:06I am aware that Dr. Longford already has an interview booked.

00:47:09But here's the thing.

00:47:11He's going to want to cancel that interview and talk to Kim instead.

00:47:15Okay, you see, our network is broadcasting our interview to all affiliates nationwide.

00:47:22There will be no larger audience for that eclipse.

00:47:25That I can guarantee.

00:47:27Okay?

00:47:28Now, I know Dr. Longford is a very famous man.

00:47:33Okay?

00:47:34But let me ask you this.

00:47:36If you have the chance to possibly expand his listeners by potentially millions, would you

00:47:44at least want to talk to him before saying no?

00:47:48Okay.

00:47:49I'll try to get a hold of him.

00:47:51Dr. Longford loves to expand his universe.

00:47:53That is great, but don't take too long because we've got Neil deGrasse Tyson waiting in the

00:47:56wings.

00:47:56What?

00:47:57I'll call back as soon as I can.

00:47:59Oh, my God.

00:48:00That's amazing.

00:48:01That was amazing.

00:48:02Although, is it ethical, though?

00:48:04Is it ethical because I'm no Steve Hartwin fan, but he did technically have the interview

00:48:08before us?

00:48:09Didn't he say to do whatever it takes?

00:48:10Yeah.

00:48:11This is whatever it takes.

00:48:13If anything, he brought it on himself.

00:48:17Hey, I'm the producer.

00:48:18You're the reporter.

00:48:20Let me worry about getting the interview.

00:48:22You worry about knocking it out of the park.

00:48:24Okay?

00:48:25Yeah.

00:48:25Okay.

00:48:26Yeah.

00:48:26Okay.

00:48:27All right, let's do this.

00:48:28Let's do this.

00:48:29I left New Zealand to try to make it in Hollywood, thinking I'd make this big splash.

00:48:34And then I ran out of money, and I saw this job posting for a teacher at Solana Ridge

00:48:40Junior College in Arizona.

00:48:42And six years later, there I still am.

00:48:45This is so typical.

00:48:46I haven't been on a good date in, like, years.

00:48:49And tonight, I'm on, what, maybe the best first date of my entire life, and we live nowhere

00:48:57near each other.

00:48:58Stop, stop, stop, stop.

00:48:58The best first date of your life?

00:49:00Your entire life?

00:49:03Did I just say that how loud?

00:49:05You did.

00:49:07Oh.

00:49:08Now, I'm going to say it, too.

00:49:10This is the best first date.

00:49:12No, this is the best date I have ever been on.

00:49:17I mean, look at us.

00:49:20We shouldn't even be here.

00:49:22Both of us ended up coming here at the last minute.

00:49:25Both of us came here to support our friends.

00:49:28But it feels like something wanted us to meet.

00:49:31I don't know.

00:49:32Something bigger than the both of us.

00:49:36We have to find a way to see each other after tomorrow.

00:49:40If we don't, it's like a slap in the face to the universe.

00:49:49Slapping the universe in the face sounds dangerous.

00:49:52We definitely shouldn't do that.

00:49:54So, let's just worry about tomorrow.

00:49:59Tomorrow.

00:50:01Tonight.

00:50:02We found a world divine.

00:50:09Found a world divine.

00:50:13We found this world divine.

00:50:20Divine.

00:50:25Samantha Johnson speaking.

00:50:27Hi, Samantha.

00:50:28It's Malcolm Brooks.

00:50:29I called earlier...

00:50:30I remember you.

00:50:31This is the fifth time you've called.

00:50:33As I told you, Dr. Longford is very busy.

00:50:36I promise I've given him your message.

00:50:38Four times.

00:50:39Did you have anything else to add?

00:50:40Well, no.

00:50:41It's just I...

00:50:42I'm very sorry, but I'm in the middle of something right now.

00:50:45Goodbye, Dr. Brooks.

00:50:58I didn't know you were single.

00:51:01What?

00:51:05At the elevator, you know, you were talking to Steve.

00:51:08Told him that you were a single mother.

00:51:11Well, I was raised by a single mother.

00:51:13Oh.

00:51:16Well, she did a good job.

00:51:18She did her best.

00:51:20She was working a full-time job, raising me and my sister.

00:51:24When I was little, I used to get upset that I couldn't see her as often as I wanted to.

00:51:29And she'd always say, even when we're apart, you're always in my heart.

00:51:33Which was a little corny.

00:51:34No, it's not corny.

00:51:36I like it.

00:51:40Yeah, it's not easy finding that balance, being a working mom.

00:51:47I think I'm getting there.

00:51:50Can I ask you a personal question?

00:51:53Uh, yeah.

00:51:55Sure.

00:51:59Why'd you get divorced?

00:52:03Um...

00:52:06Is no one reason.

00:52:09You know, I think there was a time when we both truly thought we were meant for each other.

00:52:15And then we just, we realized that we weren't.

00:52:18It's just love is complicated.

00:52:21Yeah.

00:52:21Well, at least you've been in love.

00:52:23I've never even...

00:52:23Great.

00:52:24You are so young.

00:52:25You have your whole life ahead of you.

00:52:29You know, the thing about love is that you just never know when it's going to pop into your life.

00:52:33Sometimes the timing is just really crazy.

00:52:37Like, you could be searching and searching and searching for love, and then it's nowhere to be found.

00:52:41And then as soon as you give up, it's like, boom, there it is.

00:52:43I mean, love is just...

00:52:49I'm in love.

00:52:51What?

00:52:52You're what?

00:52:54Okay, fine.

00:52:55I'm not in love yet, but I'm very much in like with the potential for it to grow into something

00:53:01so amazing.

00:53:03I'm here.

00:53:05Claire.

00:53:06Kim, you have to go on a double date with me after the shoot.

00:53:09Travis has a friend.

00:53:10He's also a professor, and he's cute.

00:53:12Here, I'll show you.

00:53:13Oh.

00:53:15Oh, yeah, super cute.

00:53:16Shoot.

00:53:17Sorry.

00:53:17I promise he's cute, though.

00:53:19I believe you.

00:53:20I just don't think that this...

00:53:21It's her.

00:53:22Joe, answer it.

00:53:24No, no, you answer it.

00:53:25What?

00:53:25Oh, okay.

00:53:26All right.

00:53:29Hello, uh, Kim Gallagher speaking.

00:53:31Hi, Ms. Gallagher.

00:53:32This is Samantha speaking.

00:53:33Uh-huh.

00:53:34So I've discussed with Dr. Longford.

00:53:35Uh-huh.

00:53:36You decided to go ahead with the interview.

00:53:37Yes, I understand.

00:53:38You need an eye out for details sent to your email.

00:53:39I will do.

00:53:40Thank you, Samantha.

00:53:44Well?

00:53:46We got the interview.

00:53:47What?

00:53:48What interview?

00:53:48We got the interview.

00:53:49Yeah!

00:53:53What interview?

00:53:59So, today is the big day.

00:54:01Heading to the park soon?

00:54:03Yeah.

00:54:04The eclipse isn't until two, but Malcolm has the spot he wants to call tips on.

00:54:08We're getting there early, too.

00:54:10Got to set up for some big interview Kim and Reed managed to score.

00:54:13Oh, by the way, I don't think Kim will be up for a double date after.

00:54:17She's, like, laser focused on this report.

00:54:20She's going to want to head back to Chicago ASAP when we wrap out.

00:54:23That's unfortunate.

00:54:25But, honestly, Malcolm's the same way.

00:54:29Totally work-obsessed.

00:54:30He's dying to meet up with this old professor of his.

00:54:33Wants to give him his book.

00:54:34Maybe help him get published, which leads to a better job.

00:54:37You know, typical overachiever stuff.

00:54:40Seems like he and Kim have a lot in common.

00:54:43Yeah.

00:54:44Too bad the stuff they have in common is the same stuff keeping them apart.

00:54:50Well, I had a lovely evening last night.

00:54:54We still on for drinks later?

00:54:57We sure are.

00:55:00Meredith, since your telescope is so much nicer than mine, I was thinking maybe we could...

00:55:05Team up?

00:55:06Seriously?

00:55:06I like the idea of working with you.

00:55:08You remind me of my younger self.

00:55:10I... I do?

00:55:11Yeah, although you're much more outgoing than I was.

00:55:13When I was young, I was very shy.

00:55:15I could never imagine being a teacher.

00:55:17But you're so good at it.

00:55:19Thanks.

00:55:23You know, I kind of owe it all to someone I met here seven years ago.

00:55:29Wow.

00:55:29Yeah, a very special woman.

00:55:32She's the one who put the idea of being a teacher in my head.

00:55:36Without her, who knows what I'd be doing now.

00:55:39And if you'd never been my teacher, who knows what I'd be doing now?

00:55:43So by the transit of property, she changed my life too.

00:55:47Wow.

00:55:48Huh.

00:55:49Ever wonder what happened to her?

00:55:52Sure, but...

00:55:54For all I know, she's happily married and living in Paris or Australia or on the moon.

00:56:00She probably never gave me a second thought anyway.

00:56:04Okay.

00:56:04What matters today is that I get some great footage of the eclipse,

00:56:08and then I figure out how to score five minutes with Dr. Longford.

00:56:11Mm-hmm.

00:56:12I bet you will.

00:56:13Because I believe the universe always finds a way to give us exactly what we need.

00:56:17Mm-hmm.

00:56:18Oh, I love that shot with the girl with the headband.

00:56:21It reminds me of my daughter.

00:56:22Yeah.

00:56:25Okay.

00:56:26Um, I think that's it.

00:56:28I think we're good.

00:56:29Ah, good.

00:56:30I mean, I think we're better than good.

00:56:31I think this is going to make a fantastic lead.

00:56:33And you know what?

00:56:34You can probably just go ahead and send that over to the studio.

00:56:37Oh, I forgot to mention, Samantha called me this morning,

00:56:41told me that Dr. Longford would be at the park at 1.30.

00:56:43She even gave me a cell phone number.

00:56:44Great.

00:56:45Call him to confirm.

00:56:46But his assistant's already...

00:56:47No, I just want you to hear it from him.

00:56:50All right.

00:56:50Of course.

00:56:51Look, this interview is everything.

00:56:52If we get this right...

00:56:53Hey, we will.

00:56:54Yeah.

00:56:55You can count on me.

00:56:56Okay.

00:56:56All right?

00:56:57All right.

00:56:58I need a...

00:56:59I need a breath of fresh air.

00:57:00Yeah, okay.

00:57:00Okay.

00:57:01Go ahead.

00:57:01Here we go.

00:57:04Hey, Malcolm.

00:57:06If you're going to check out, can you save me a spot in line?

00:57:08I've just got to fix this quick.

00:57:10You got it.

00:57:11You good with that?

00:57:12Yeah.

00:57:13Great.

00:57:13Got to move.

00:57:14Hey, Kim, we should leave the valley.

00:57:16He needs us out of here.

00:57:17Oh, where are we supposed to go?

00:57:18Um, I don't know.

00:57:19We'll just pull...

00:57:19We'll pull it forward.

00:57:20It'll be okay.

00:57:20All right.

00:57:26Claire, heading to the park?

00:57:28Almost, yeah.

00:57:29Maybe we'll see you there afterwards.

00:57:30Yeah.

00:57:32Hey, listen.

00:57:33Uh, I just want to say, I don't know if Travis told you or if I should tell you, but

00:57:38he went

00:57:38through a pretty rough breakup recently, and, uh, for what it's worth, I haven't seen him

00:57:43this excited, optimistic, happy.

00:57:48Whatever it is, I haven't seen him in a long time.

00:57:51It means a lot.

00:57:51It's nice you care about him so much.

00:57:53He cares about you, too.

00:58:00Hi.

00:58:02You should say goodbye to Travis?

00:58:04Well, hopefully not goodbye, goodbye.

00:58:08Just goodbye.

00:58:10If it's meant to be.

00:58:11I know.

00:58:12I know.

00:58:13Let's focus.

00:58:14It's a big day.

00:58:15Yeah.

00:58:16Sure is.

00:58:18Steve.

00:58:20So nice to see you.

00:58:22You know, you're not going to believe the message that I just got.

00:58:25Yeah, it seems Stanley Longford just canceled my interview.

00:58:28Oh, that's, that's too bad.

00:58:31You know, I know that it was you who lured him away from me.

00:58:34I'm good.

00:58:35What can I say?

00:58:36I have a great producer, you know.

00:58:37He gets things done.

00:58:41Look, see, here's the thing.

00:58:43You can't just take my interview.

00:58:44And don't worry about it, because you can speak to him when I'm done.

00:58:48Yeah.

00:58:50We'll see.

00:58:56Satisfied?

00:58:56Just a little bit.

00:58:59Hi, Mom.

00:59:01Hi, Hannah.

00:59:02We're making eclipse for yours.

00:59:05Oh, yeah, I can see that.

00:59:06Hey, you be careful out there, though, okay?

00:59:08Don't look directly at the eclipse.

00:59:11Everybody knows that.

00:59:13They do, do they?

00:59:14Mommy, when are you coming home?

00:59:16I miss you.

00:59:18I know.

00:59:18I miss you too, sweetie.

00:59:20And I promise that I'm going to finish up as soon as I can so I can get home and

00:59:24tuck you in tonight, okay?

00:59:24Hey, but you know what?

00:59:26Even when we're apart, you're always in my heart.

00:59:30How you doing, Kimberly?

00:59:31Are you okay?

00:59:33Uh, why would I be nervous?

00:59:35You know?

00:59:35Just a few hours away from talking to millions and millions of people coast to coast, I'm not nervous.

00:59:41I'm terrified.

00:59:43It's okay to be scared, Mommy.

00:59:45You know why?

00:59:47Why is that, sweetie?

00:59:49Because being scared gives you the chance to be brave.

00:59:52That is very wise.

00:59:55I was thinking, maybe we try and stay another night.

00:59:58Yet I can talk clear into it, too.

01:00:00We have classes tomorrow.

01:00:01Oh, we can get out of them.

01:00:03I can't.

01:00:05Now, come on.

01:00:06I've got to get serious.

01:00:06This afternoon is my only shot at getting to Dr. Longford.

01:00:09Yes.

01:00:10Just get around this assistant.

01:00:11Okay, thank you, Dr. Longford.

01:00:12I will see you at the park.

01:00:18Was that...

01:00:18Were you talking to Dr. Longford?

01:00:20Uh, yeah.

01:00:21Dr. Stanley Longford?

01:00:23The coolest astronomer of all time?

01:00:25Okay, well, that's not for me to judge.

01:00:27I don't even know what makes an astronomer cool.

01:00:29He's meeting you at the park?

01:00:30Uh, yeah.

01:00:31Yeah, we're doing this live interview.

01:00:33I'm with WGZA.

01:00:35WGZA?

01:00:35You must work with Claire.

01:00:37You know Claire?

01:00:38Uh, we met yesterday.

01:00:40It's, uh, been a...

01:00:41Oh, oh!

01:00:42You were the guy she kissed last night.

01:00:44You and Claire kiss?

01:00:45Yeah.

01:00:46That was awesome.

01:00:47That's great.

01:00:48What's great?

01:00:49Travis and Claire kissed.

01:00:50That is great.

01:00:52It was Claire.

01:00:54She's, uh...

01:00:55Never mind right now.

01:00:56This guy...

01:00:57Sorry, I didn't get your name.

01:00:58It's Reed.

01:00:59Reed works at a news station in Chicago.

01:01:01They're interviewing Dr. Longford today.

01:01:03No way.

01:01:03You can't introduce us.

01:01:05I'm sorry.

01:01:06I don't know who you guys are.

01:01:08Claire will vouch for us.

01:01:09You just said you don't even know who Claire is.

01:01:11She'll vouch for Travis and I.

01:01:12Who are you?

01:01:13This is starting to feel like an Abbott and Costello routine.

01:01:16Abbott what?

01:01:16You?

01:01:17Look, we really need your help.

01:01:19It's very important I talk to Dr. Longford today.

01:01:21Okay.

01:01:22For Claire, I'll see what I can do, but no promises, okay?

01:01:28See?

01:01:29I told you.

01:01:30The universe always finds a way.

01:01:46I wonder if Dr. Longford is here yet.

01:01:49The eclipse footage is still the priority, and this hill is the best place to get it.

01:01:53Hey, Travis.

01:01:55Go find Claire.

01:01:56What?

01:01:57No, the whole reason I came here is to help you out.

01:02:00I can't just...

01:02:00I've got Meredith here to help me.

01:02:02She's an expert in this stuff.

01:02:03And no offense, but you have no idea what I'm talking about half the time.

01:02:06Are you sure, though?

01:02:07I don't want to ditch my best friend.

01:02:09You're not ditching me.

01:02:10And what kind of friend would I be if I kept you from the woman of your dreams?

01:02:15Thanks, man.

01:02:22Oh, and if you see Dr. Longford, make sure to bring him our way.

01:02:24Kicking and screaming, if you have to.

01:02:27Will we do?

01:02:28I said to you, we will be in part.

01:02:36Just look at this crowd.

01:02:38Eclipse chasers from across the country have turned out in full force to celebrate today's cosmic event.

01:02:46I'm Kim Gallagher, reporting live from Carbondale, Illinois, which is about to see its second total solar eclipse in seven

01:02:53years.

01:02:54Now, we're just under 30 minutes away from the start of the main event, but before we get to that,

01:02:59I'm going to be sitting down with popular podcaster and astronomer Dr. Stanley Longford.

01:03:04And you do not want to miss a minute, so stay tuned.

01:03:08We're clear.

01:03:11Is that okay?

01:03:12Okay? You were fantastic.

01:03:15The kid speaks the truth.

01:03:17No, it was amazing. Confident, just no fear.

01:03:21A lot of fear, actually.

01:03:22But you know, when you're scared, it gives you a chance to be brave, right?

01:03:27Seriously, Kim, you nailed it.

01:03:30Let's not get too excited.

01:03:31You know, that was just the local setup.

01:03:33You know, we don't go national until the interview.

01:03:35Speaking of which, is Dr. Longford here yet?

01:03:37How about I give him a call?

01:03:38Okay.

01:03:39Hey, could you take this?

01:03:40Thanks.

01:04:01Hey, everything okay?

01:04:04Yeah.

01:04:04Uh, I just, well, deja vu, I guess, I think.

01:04:11Um, the last time I was here, seven years ago, I was all just primed to set the world on

01:04:17fire.

01:04:20Things just didn't work out quite that way.

01:04:22Things hardly ever work out the way we think they will.

01:04:27But they do work out.

01:04:29But they do work out.

01:04:30Sometimes for the better.

01:04:33Yeah.

01:04:34Thanks, Claire.

01:04:37Now focus.

01:04:38You're an on-camera reporter now, and you've got a live national interview to get ready for, right?

01:04:43That is right.

01:04:44You know what?

01:04:45I can't do this.

01:04:46My mom was right.

01:04:47The stars have aligned for me, and everything is gonna be perfect.

01:04:52Guys, we got a huge problem.

01:04:54What?

01:04:54And there, everything's set.

01:04:56Perfect.

01:04:58Now if I can just connect with Dr. Longford, we can call this day a success.

01:05:03You'll get to him.

01:05:04That cute TV news guy will pull through.

01:05:06Cute, huh?

01:05:07Don't change the subject.

01:05:09I promise everything's going to work out.

01:05:11Can't you feel it, Malcolm?

01:05:13Stars are aligning.

01:05:14All over the place.

01:05:18Dr. Longford, he's not picking up.

01:05:20Okay, I can't reach his assistant either.

01:05:21He should be here by now.

01:05:22You can't be serious, though.

01:05:23The whole thing is built around this interview.

01:05:25What are we supposed to do if he doesn't show?

01:05:27I don't know.

01:05:27I'm right here.

01:05:30Terribly sorry.

01:05:31We tried to call, but receptionist's body here.

01:05:35Forgive me for being a few minutes late, but I just had to get myself a lunar cake.

01:05:41Delicious.

01:05:42Dr. Longford, I'm Kim Gallagher.

01:05:44Yeah, had us worried there for a second, but it's so nice to meet you.

01:05:48Yeah, lovely to meet you as well.

01:05:50I understand this is going out nationally, is that correct?

01:05:52Uh, yeah, that's right.

01:05:56I'll need you to, uh, hit these talking points to set me up to promote my live podcast after the

01:06:04eclipse.

01:06:04That's the reason why I, uh, agreed to cancel my previous engagement.

01:06:09Yeah, of course.

01:06:10Yeah, we totally, we can handle this.

01:06:11Um, if we could just look over the questions and...

01:06:15I'm sorry, I don't do pre-interviews.

01:06:17Yeah, it ruins the spontaneity.

01:06:20Did you not tell me?

01:06:22Dr. Longford doesn't do pre-interviews.

01:06:24Ruins the spontaneity.

01:06:26Good to know.

01:06:28Oh, don't worry.

01:06:29I've been doing this a long time.

01:06:32Together, you and I shall shine brighter than a supernova.

01:06:36Great.

01:06:36Right.

01:06:37Supernova time.

01:06:38If we could just get set up for the show, let's, uh, let's...

01:06:41We just need to use the facilities.

01:06:43Oh.

01:06:43At first.

01:06:44Uh, do we have time for that?

01:06:46We're live in 15 minutes.

01:06:4815 minutes?

01:06:49I, uh, can you wait?

01:06:50I'd be happier if I...

01:06:53Take some of the pressure off, so to speak.

01:06:55Don't worry.

01:06:56Back in a jiffy.

01:06:58Okay.

01:07:00Great.

01:07:02Great.

01:07:02Okay.

01:07:03It's gonna be great.

01:07:04Let's go set up, guys.

01:07:05Let's go.

01:07:07Excuse me?

01:07:09Um.

01:07:14Dr. Longford.

01:07:16Steve Hartwood.

01:07:18KCYD in St. Louis.

01:07:19Ah, yes, Mr. Hartwood.

01:07:22Apologies for canceling on you, but I just had to go with the, uh, national broadcast.

01:07:28I'm sure you understand.

01:07:29Oh, of course.

01:07:30Now we have to do what's best for ourselves, right?

01:07:33That's very gracious of you.

01:07:34Now, if you'll excuse me, I just really have to use the restroom.

01:07:39Uh, Doc, I think you got yourself turned around.

01:07:41Yeah, the restrooms are all the way over there.

01:07:45Thank you, Mr. Hartwood.

01:07:47My pleasure.

01:07:54There's, is there a single, a single bar?

01:07:57I'm all failed again.

01:07:58It's all the news trucks.

01:07:59They're hogging the signal.

01:08:00This isn't happening.

01:08:01This isn't happening.

01:08:02Hey.

01:08:03Here you are.

01:08:04Uh, hi, Travis.

01:08:05Not now.

01:08:06Crisis.

01:08:07Uh, what's going on?

01:08:09Oh, nothing.

01:08:09Just, you know, the end of my career.

01:08:10That's all.

01:08:12We lost Dr. Longford.

01:08:13He went to use the restroom and never came back.

01:08:16Oh, he didn't, wasn't the meteor dogs, was it?

01:08:18Because I've had three of them.

01:08:20Oh.

01:08:20Oh, I got him.

01:08:21I got him.

01:08:21Hi, Dr. Longford.

01:08:23Dr. Longford, it's Kim.

01:08:25Fantastic.

01:08:25Hi.

01:08:26Uh, where are you?

01:08:27Ms. Gallagher.

01:08:28Thank goodness.

01:08:30Uh, I, I, I think I, I might have got, uh, turned around somehow.

01:08:34Uh, if you could send someone to, uh, collect me.

01:08:38I'm at the, uh, we lost him.

01:08:41You're at the...

01:08:41Three minutes till we're live.

01:08:42I'm coming for you, Dr. Longford.

01:08:44Oh, my God.

01:08:46Oh, my God.

01:08:47We, we, we can, we can still pull this off.

01:08:50How?

01:08:51I am about to go live to the entire nation with no one to talk to and nothing to talk

01:08:54about.

01:08:54No, no.

01:08:55I'm not gonna let us fail, okay?

01:08:56No, I'm the producer.

01:08:58I'm, I'm gonna produce a solution, okay?

01:08:59Just give me a second.

01:09:00He's gonna produce a solution.

01:09:03You know, Malcolm was really hoping to talk to that Longford guy, too.

01:09:07Hey, that's it.

01:09:07Your friend, he's some sort of hotshot astronomy professor, right?

01:09:10Well, he's, uh, astronomy professor.

01:09:12I just, uh, don't know if I would call him a hotshot.

01:09:14Yeah, yeah, yeah, close enough.

01:09:15Where is he?

01:09:18Right up there.

01:09:19Right up there?

01:09:21Okay, you two, bring everything we need up that hill.

01:09:24Make sure the signal can still reach our antenna.

01:09:25And we'll be right behind you, okay?

01:09:30I thought you said he was incompetent.

01:09:32He's had a transformative 24 hours.

01:09:35Keep up, Travis.

01:09:37I'm coming.

01:09:39All right.

01:09:41Okay, Kim.

01:09:42Now, listen to me.

01:09:43We're gonna have to salvage the whole interview.

01:09:45But all my questions are specific to Dr. Longford and his podcast.

01:09:48It's okay.

01:09:48You'll just have to make them up on the fly.

01:09:50You're good at that.

01:09:50You're good at it thinking on your feet.

01:09:51But live on national TV?

01:09:53No, I can't.

01:09:54Yes, you can.

01:09:55Listen to me.

01:09:56It's just like you said.

01:09:58Everything, everyone who expects us to fail,

01:09:59we have to prove them wrong, okay?

01:10:03Especially us.

01:10:05Now, I'm not gonna let you down,

01:10:07and you're not gonna let me down, okay?

01:10:09We can do this.

01:10:11Yeah?

01:10:13Then let's do this.

01:10:14Yes, let's do this.

01:10:15Okay, we got 90 seconds till they throw it to us.

01:10:17Let's go.

01:10:20Right over here.

01:10:20What's going on?

01:10:21Oh.

01:10:22What's going on is you're about to be interviewed on live TV.

01:10:26I'm what?

01:10:27Nationwide.

01:10:28Sorry.

01:10:29Live TV nationwide.

01:10:30Don't worry.

01:10:32You're just gonna be talking about eclipses.

01:10:34You love eclipses.

01:10:35Wait a second.

01:10:36I don't want to be interviewed live on TV.

01:10:38That's too much pressure.

01:10:39I'm not cut out for this.

01:10:40No choice.

01:10:41You gotta save the day here, buddy.

01:10:43But I'm not.

01:10:44I mean, I can't do that.

01:10:45Travis.

01:10:45You totally can.

01:10:47Dr. Brooks.

01:10:48Malcolm.

01:10:49You were my favorite professor for a reason.

01:10:52You make astronomy fun and relatable.

01:10:54Just pretend you're teaching class.

01:10:56Okay.

01:10:56Yeah.

01:10:56Okay.

01:10:57Just like I'm in class.

01:10:58Yeah.

01:10:58All right.

01:10:59I can do this.

01:11:00Okay.

01:11:01Good, because you're on at 30.

01:11:03Just like in class.

01:11:04Except instead of 20 students watching, it's millions of people.

01:11:07No pressure.

01:11:09Uh, notes.

01:11:09Do you have a break?

01:11:10Yes.

01:11:13Okay.

01:11:13What can I use?

01:11:14Do you think it's a late solar eclipse for the first time in 3P?

01:11:17I can see.

01:11:18I can do that right.

01:11:19You good?

01:11:21Yeah.

01:11:21Yeah, I'm good.

01:11:22You got this, okay?

01:11:23I got it.

01:11:24I got it.

01:11:24You got this.

01:11:25Do you have a high-def camera?

01:11:26Uh, yeah.

01:11:27Right here.

01:11:28Okay, great.

01:11:29If we could link that feed to our antenna, we'll have a perfect footage of the eclipse.

01:11:33Um, is that okay?

01:11:35Can I do that?

01:11:36Why not?

01:11:37Okay.

01:11:37Oh, this is getting so exciting all of a sudden.

01:11:40Um, hey, Claire, could you link this feed into our antenna?

01:11:44Kind of busy at the moment, Reed.

01:11:46I know how.

01:11:46I can do that.

01:11:48Then do it.

01:11:50This is the moment.

01:11:51I know this is all super chaotic, but...

01:11:54But for everything that feels crazy and chaotic and random about the universe, there's something

01:11:58else that seems...

01:11:59All right, guys, we gotta go.

01:12:00We gotta go.

01:12:01We gotta go.

01:12:02We gotta go.

01:12:05Perfectly designed.

01:12:11Perfectly designed.

01:12:17Hi, everyone.

01:12:19It's Kim Gallagher broadcasting live from Carbondale, Illinois, right in the path of totality for

01:12:25today's eclipse, which will begin in just about five minutes.

01:12:28In the meantime, we have a great interview lined up for you.

01:12:32Unfortunately, Dr. Longford couldn't be with us, but we have another fantastic professor

01:12:36of astronomy who's here to help us understand what's going on in the skies today.

01:12:41So why don't you tell the folks at home your name, doctor?

01:12:47Uh, uh, Brooks.

01:12:49Malcolm Brooks.

01:12:51Hi.

01:12:53I'm Kim.

01:12:54It's nice to meet you.

01:12:56Nice to meet you, too.

01:12:57Kim?

01:13:00So, Dr. Brooks, uh, can I call you Malcolm?

01:13:03Malcolm, please.

01:13:04Malcolm.

01:13:04Okay.

01:13:05Hi.

01:13:05Sorry.

01:13:06So, Malcolm, um, how long have you been teaching astronomy?

01:13:10Uh, about five years now.

01:13:12I finished my PhD in applied physics at, uh, SIU right here in Carbondale and got hired

01:13:18as a professor at, uh, Solana Ridge Junior College in Arizona.

01:13:22Arizona?

01:13:23Uh, it's a long way from, uh, Carbondale.

01:13:26It is, but I wouldn't have traveled any distance for an opportunity like this.

01:13:32An opportunity to see a total eclipse, of course.

01:13:36Of course.

01:13:37Is Mommy okay?

01:13:38She looks funny.

01:13:39Oh, I think Mommy is better than okay.

01:13:43It's like I told her.

01:13:44The stars have aligned.

01:13:47So did you travel here with your wife?

01:13:49Oh, no.

01:13:50No, no, I'm not married.

01:13:51No, I've still yet to find my, my, my perfect fit.

01:13:55No, I totally understand.

01:13:57You know, as a single, completely unattached person myself, I know how hard it can be to

01:14:01find that perfect fit.

01:14:03That's true.

01:14:04It can be tough.

01:14:05But the important thing is to never lose hope.

01:14:07Finding the perfect fit can take patience.

01:14:11Sometimes it can take a lot of patience.

01:14:15Speaking of perfect fits, can you explain to the folks at home why on a day like today

01:14:21the sun and the moon match up so well?

01:14:23Yes.

01:14:23You see, the sun is 400 times larger than the moon, but the moon is 400 times closer

01:14:29to the earth.

01:14:30Which is why, during an eclipse, it seems like they were made for each other.

01:14:33That's quite a coincidence.

01:14:36You know, the universe is actually full of coincidences like that.

01:14:39Hmm.

01:14:39For instance, isn't it amazing that the passive totality of this year's eclipse and the eclipse

01:14:45seven years ago both passed right through Carbondale?

01:14:48You know, I was actually here for the last eclipse.

01:14:51How about that?

01:14:52And so was I.

01:14:54And the cosmic coincidences just keep on coming, don't they?

01:14:57It sure seems like it.

01:14:59But, you know, seven years ago, the sun and the moon crossed paths, even connected.

01:15:03But, I don't know, for some reason it just didn't click, did it?

01:15:09Does mommy know that, man?

01:15:12It seems so.

01:15:14I think I know what you mean.

01:15:17Maybe the universe's timing wasn't quite right somehow.

01:15:21That's what I was thinking.

01:15:24But, I don't know, I think this time, things are gonna be different.

01:15:29I think you might be right.

01:15:34We are just a few moments away from the eclipse beginning, so back to you at the station,

01:15:40Keith.

01:15:40And I'll be back here right after the show.

01:15:44And we're clear.

01:15:48That was amazing, Kim.

01:15:51That was folksy, down-to-earth.

01:15:54I mean, it was a little weirdly personal, but I loved it.

01:16:00I mean, no one's ever gonna call you freezer burn after that, right?

01:16:02Great, thank you for that, Reed.

01:16:03I appreciate that so much.

01:16:05Okay.

01:16:06Okay, you're good to go.

01:16:09Hey.

01:16:10Yeah, this is Reed.

01:16:12Okay, whatever you were using for the eclipse, I have something better.

01:16:16I'm sending it to you right now.

01:16:17It's high-def live images.

01:16:19I'm talking NASA-level quality here.

01:16:22So, a long time no see, Malcolm.

01:16:26It has been a while.

01:16:27Yeah.

01:16:27Kim?

01:16:28At least we got each other's names this time.

01:16:31Hi.

01:16:33I think we have a couple minutes.

01:16:36You want to go for a walk?

01:16:37There's nothing I love more.

01:16:45All right, folks.

01:16:47Listen up.

01:16:47The eclipse is almost here!

01:16:56Good work getting this camera hooked up to the feet so fast.

01:16:59I'm glad I could come through.

01:17:00But this is the guy that deserves a little credit.

01:17:03It was his idea.

01:17:04Thanks for, you know, letting us take over your whole setup.

01:17:07Are you kidding?

01:17:08That was the most exciting two minutes of my life.

01:17:10I can't believe I was a part of that.

01:17:13So, a TV news producer, huh?

01:17:15You must see this kind of action all the time, right?

01:17:17Well, I'm actually still kind of new at this.

01:17:20But yeah, it can get kind of wild.

01:17:23Maybe later we can get some coffee.

01:17:27You can tell me some stories.

01:17:31Dr. Longford, are you okay?

01:17:38I'm fine.

01:17:39I just feel terrible.

01:17:41I missed the interview.

01:17:44But not the eclipse.

01:17:48Thanks.

01:17:50There's this Tahitian myth that reminds me of us.

01:17:53I liked it so much, I put it in my book.

01:17:55You wrote a book?

01:17:56Yeah, it's called Cosmic Phenomenon and Their Effects on Early Cultures.

01:18:01A Study in Three Parts, Volume 1.

01:18:03Sounds like a real page-turner.

01:18:08Anyway, the story goes that the sun and moon met for the first time during an eclipse.

01:18:17And, well, they fell in love.

01:18:20And they became so enamored with each other that they got lost in the sky.

01:18:26So they created the stars to find their way back to their proper path.

01:18:33That's beautiful.

01:18:36I think I did get a little lost after that last eclipse.

01:18:42And I went through a lot of ups and downs just trying to find my way.

01:18:48But I think I'm on the right path now.

01:18:52Full disclosure.

01:18:53Okay.

01:18:54I thought about you a lot over the past seven years.

01:18:59You were like this beautiful stranger who came into my life, gave me a glimpse of how special a personal

01:19:06connection could be, and then vanished.

01:19:12I don't want to wait for another cosmic phenomenon to see you again.

01:19:15No, I don't want that either.

01:19:20There's something I've been dying to do since the last time I saw you.

01:19:25Well, don't make me wait another seven years.

01:19:47I don't want to wait another six years.

01:19:53I don't want to wait another seven years.

01:20:00the eclipse it's over i can't believe we missed it hey you've seen one eclipse you've seen them

01:20:10all miss gallagher ah hello dr longford ah so sorry i missed your interview well actually i'm not

01:20:22i mean i'm i'm glad that you're okay of course but if you hadn't missed it i might not have

01:20:27reunited with someone very special to me well i was able to catch most of your interview on my phone

01:20:34i was quite impressed you seem somewhat familiar to me yes i was in your class at siu and i

01:20:43was

01:20:43actually hoping um you see i have this manuscript it's kind of part astronomy part sociology it's

01:20:49about how cosmic phenomena like today's eclipse have inspired us to search for knowledge and

01:20:55understanding over the centuries what's it called it's called cosmic cosmic cultures right

01:20:59yeah good title and you have a uh publishing deal well i was kind of hoping you might take a

01:21:05look at

01:21:05it and uh if you if you liked it maybe you could write me a little blurb or a recommendation

01:21:11i could

01:21:11put in my submission inquiries well i'd love to help out a former student and if it's everything you say

01:21:20i'll forward it to my literary agent it sounds amazing why don't we discuss it on my podcast this

01:21:27afternoon you want me on your podcast i sure do both of you you have amazing chemistry thanks

01:21:35we think so too fantastic well we uh we're recording on the stage in an hour hey we're uh moments

01:21:44out so

01:21:45do you guys want to oh uh dr longford um do you want to jump in the least we can

01:21:49do is plug your

01:21:50podcast oh wonderful okay we're back in five four

01:21:59welcome back everyone well there you have it another eclipse for the books i'm kim gallagher here

01:22:06with world-renowned astronomers dr stanley longford and dr malcolm brooks so dr longford would you like

01:22:14to say anything to the folks at home yes thank you please be sure to join all three of us

01:22:18for a special live episode of my podcast which will begin shortly i can't wait to sit down with

01:22:26you and learn even more about what happened here today thank you so malcolm the next time the sun and

01:22:33the moon cross paths over north america it'll be 2044 what do you think you'll be doing for the next

01:22:40eclipse in 18 years well with any luck i'll be spending it with you

01:22:52once again i'm kim gallagher for wgza news in chicago and in the words of dr longford here

01:22:59keep your head in the clouds and the stars in your eyes clear

01:23:07fantastic thank you thank you thank you okay thank you dr longford yes thank you

01:23:16we're flying through the sky

01:23:23we're flying through the sky

01:23:52we're flying through the sky

01:23:56we're flying through the sky

01:23:56You

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