A Total Solar Eclipse Inspired Edison's Light-Bulb Moment

As the August 21 total solar eclipse approaches, it's inspiring to consider how the study of past astronomical events led to a slew of modern innovations. Among them is Thomas Edison's light bulb, but his big breakthrough had more to do with learning how to handle people than science. Edison, who was 31 at the time, had just invented the phonograph, which wowed the scientific community and the public. But Edison, who wasn't formally educated, was driven to continue to prove himself a respected scientist.