I’m being followed by a moonshadow

The solar eclipse this week drove a mini spending boom

Stargazers can only see a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely blocks the sun, from any one place on Earth every 400 years. On Monday, it was North America's turn. Throughout the day, the moon's shadow bore a line through Mexico, the US, and up Canada's East Coast. Some eccentrics thought it foreshadowed the rapture. Others were simply in awe of nature's wonders. But, regardless of their superstitions, those in or near the great shadow's path went wild to catch a glimpse. This mania drove a short-term mini-economic boom for the people and businesses in the shadow's path. But, over the medium term, it's a wash.

The eclipse triggered a surge in various economic activities. Travellers to the path of totality—where the moon completely obscured the sun—spent significantly on accommodation, fuel, food, and souvenirs. According to The Perryman Group, this additional spending amounted to $1.6bn. When considering the ripple effects of this spending, the total economic boost is estimat…