Total solar eclipses — where the moon completely blocks the sun — are relatively frequent, and occur approximately once every 18 months. However, it's rare for one to be seen from the US. The last one that Americans got to view from the mainland was on February 16, 1979.
1. In February 1979, the No. 1 song in the country was Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?"
2. The Deer Hunter was the No. 1 movie at the box office.
3. The most popular TV show in the country was 60 Minutes.
4. Jimmy Carter was the president.
5. This was the cover of Time magazine.
6. Singer John Denver and his wife were on the cover of People magazine.
7. This was the cover of GQ.
8. Gas was 74.5 cents a gallon for unleaded regular gas.
9. O.J. Simpson was still playing in the NFL.
10. Smoking on planes was still legal.
11. Baby carrots wouldn't exist for another seven years.