The 2017 eclipse was watched by 88% of Americans, either directly or on television, according to a University of Michigan study, more than the moon landing or the Super Bowl.
Resolved based on a similarly reputable source. Resolves NA if no comparable data is available within one year.
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“It was the continent’s biggest eclipse audience ever, with a couple hundred million people living in or near the shadow’s path, plus scores of out-of-towners flocking in to see it. With the next coast-to-coast eclipse 21 years out, the pressure was on to catch this one.”
If the AP is right, we’re still way lowballing this %.
Did a bit more research on this one to make up my own mind. 2.5x as many people live in the path of totality compared to the eclipse in 2017. Whereas the previous path was from Oregon to Texas, this path is Texas to Vermont, a much more populated swath. Indeed over half the US population lives within 250 miles. Assuming it isn’t cloudy along the whole path, a lot of people are paying attention, arguably more than last time.
@JohnBennett Thanks for the comment. I clarified in the description that based on the linked source, the percentage includes people who watched the eclipse on TV. Your rationale still seems valid.