Where will you be on August 21, 2017? What will you be doing for the eclipse?
The last time Americans experienced a Total Solar Eclipse was 1991. However, an estimated 500 million people (391 million in the US) will be able to observe the 21 August 2017 total solar eclipse, in partial or total form. This is a golden opportunity to observe one of nature’s most exciting splendors--the moon will completely cover the sun and the sun's corona (atmosphere).
This celestial event is a solar eclipse in which the moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks all or part of the sun for up to about three hours, from beginning to end, as viewed from a given location. For this eclipse, the longest period when the moon completely blocks the sun from any given location along the path will be about two minutes and 40 seconds. The last time the contiguous U.S. saw a total eclipse was in 1979.
Carbondale, IL, has a special distinction—it is near the crossing centerlines of both the August 21, 2017 eclipse and the coming 8 Apr 2024 total solar eclipse! Also, the point of the longest eclipse for 2017 is just southeast of Carbondale.
On 21 August 2017, the eclipse will travel 2,500 miles across the United States of America in an estimated 70 mile wide path, starting in Oregon, crossing 12 states, and ending off the shore of South Carolina at the Atlantic Ocean. NASA will be streaming the eclipse live from Carbondale, IL, one of the designated sweet spots within the path of totality. Carbondale is only a few miles north of the point of greatest duration. At approximately 1:20 p.m. CDT on 21 August 2017, we will gather to experience the total solar eclipse for 2 minutes and 38 seconds! Those viewing the eclipse from outside this path will still see a partial solar eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun's disk.
There are at least two dozen eclipse festivals and organized public events happening at different locations in the eclipse path. Many of these festivals will begin three or four days before Aug. 21, so visitors can arrive early. Some of these festivals will have more of a science focus than others, so check out the individual festival websites.
So, where will you be on August 21, 2017?
Well, we reserved a pavilion at Ferne Clyffe State Park to view the eclipse with friends and family. Please join us for this unique event. We will be there all day so bring your lunch and your protective eyewear and join us!
Here are the details…we hope to see you there!
DATE: 21 Aug 17
LOCATION: Lakeview Pavilion @ Ferne Clyffe State Park 90 Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL 62939 (Picnic tables with bathroom nearby)
COORDINATES: N37 31.900, W88 58.713
TIME: The Event will run from 11:00 am to 2:00pm
Elipse Time: Eclipse Begins: 11:52 AM
Totality Begins: 1:20 PM
Totality Ends: 1:22 PM
Eclipse Ends: 2:47
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This is a big media event so please allow for travel time and parking. If lodging is needed, please make reservations ASAP as availability is limited.
LINKS TO INFORMATION/SOURCES ON THE ECLIPSE:
1. “Experience our Total Solar Eclipse” (Visitor Information (Hotels, Events, Restaurants, Attractions, Weather, etc.) http://www.carbondaleeclipse.com
2. “Total Solar Eclipse 2017” https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/
3. “Where is the best place to see the 2017 eclipse? https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/best-places-to-view
4. “Here’s every total solar eclipse happening in your lifetime. Is this year your best chance?” https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/eclipse/?utm_term=.b91f641322e7
5. “Here's Where Space.com Staffers Will View the 2017 Solar Eclipse” https://www.space.com/37298-heres-where-space-com-staffers-will-view-the-2017-solar-eclipse.html
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: You never want to look directly at the sun without appropriate protection except during totality. That could severely hurt your eyes. However, there are many ways to safely view an eclipse of the sun including direct viewing – which requires some type of filtering device and indirect viewing where you project an image of the sun onto a screen (https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/)
According to the NASA website, here is some information on protecting your eyes: According to NASA, this list describes when to wear your glasses and when you can safely look at the eclipse, only during totality!