No, there won't be "a dazzling, pearly-white halo" on August 21. You seem to be referring to an annular eclipse -- this one will be total.
2
Carbonate is a lucky town that it will be able to see two total eclipses. I will not be able to see the eclipse from where I live, only the shadow, nor will I be able to experience the other total solar eclipse in 2024. My family usually travels out of the city and into the mountains to go for a fun stargazing experience and I am sad that I will not be able to witness what the total eclipse looks like due to my geographical location. It was good to share how the eclipse will help the struggling economy throughout Southern Illinois, but I was hoping the article would focus more on the eclipse than the economical bloom. The town does seem more than ready for this event, having every hotel room booked and people from all over the world are traveling to Carbondale. Randy Johnson’s quote about putting an eclipse logo on everything he sees was pretty humorous and that is probably what he did, seeing that he already has a lot of merchandise stocked up. I think it is pretty cool that Dr. Yanamandra-Fisher will return to Carbondale during the next eclipse in 2024 to compare the two eclipses. Scientists having the opportunity to uncover “scorching secrets” (pretty punny haha) of the corona is going to give us a better understanding of the heat, which I find interesting and I hope to find an article regarding that later in the year if scientists do happen to discover something new. I like how Sam Beard sees this eclipse as a chance to prove how magical America is.
1
hi,
Did I miss something or in this long, rambling article did the authors never mention the time of the "totality" of the eclipse in Carbomdale, IL. Very disconcerting.
Did I miss something or in this long, rambling article did the authors never mention the time of the "totality" of the eclipse in Carbomdale, IL. Very disconcerting.
3
Yes, you missed something. The article says that the time of totality will be two minutes thirty-eight seconds in Carbondale, and two seconds longer at a site about ten miles west of town.
Or, if you meant the clock time of totality, the article doesn't mention it, but totality starts at 1:20:05 PM CDT.
As an eclipse chaser, I never thought it would fall to the small town I was born in to be the best viewing place for one. Now people won't say "Carbon what?"
3
Not just for one - for TWO! You're very lucky!
Carbondale and surrounds stand a 50-55% chance of being overcast at the time of the eclipse. not sure why that qualifies it as "among the best places' to witness this eclipse.
I picked out a place thats got below 20% chances of clouds over a year ago.
I picked out a place thats got below 20% chances of clouds over a year ago.
Don't the good people of Carbondale (and other towns preparing for a $$ bonanza) realize that this eclipse will be in the middle of a work week and most of us across the country will be working that day? (And working in cities and towns far from the path of the total eclipse.) Sure, they may get a few hundred or even a couple of thousand retirees, students and dilletantes traveling to see the eclipse, plus a few hundred scientists and academics and a few dozen overseas visitors, but thousands? Tens of thousands? Really?
It's a Monday. Ever heard of taking a long weekend?
3
I sure hope you're right The Real Mr. Magoo as I plan to be there driving in from 2 hours away (no traffic) that day. But I'm pretty sure you're numbers are way low. But...we're all guessing.
1
We're taking the weekend and driving in as well. Worth the vacation time!
"I don’t want to be in a stadium with someone explaining the sky to me,” said Kelechi Agwuncha, 19, a junior filmmaker at the university. “I’d rather take it in myself.”
“A lot of students couldn’t care less. Because it’s Carbondale, they think it can’t be something that big..." “I want to let them know this is a landmark historical moment that we have to be a part of.” -Diamond Trusty, 20, a senior.
Transformative thinking. That IS what a college and university are for!
“A lot of students couldn’t care less. Because it’s Carbondale, they think it can’t be something that big..." “I want to let them know this is a landmark historical moment that we have to be a part of.” -Diamond Trusty, 20, a senior.
Transformative thinking. That IS what a college and university are for!
10
Staying with fellow UB alum in Mulino, OR this year for the eclipse. Guess we'll all have to head back to the old college city (or hang out on Lake Ontario) for the April 8, 2024 event. Gives me a chance to use my eclipse glasses twice!
1
It is very hard to take a scientific researcher seriously when she is setting up inside a stadium filled with 50,000 people!
That is absolutely NO PLACE to be doing an important astronomical investigation, let alone a funded one!
Many people will be drunk with the miracle, over excited; many others will be just drunk.
The odds of inadvertent tripping, bumping, disconnect, electronic interference, hijinks, etc. happening are, to put it mildly, *astronomically* high!
That is absolutely NO PLACE to be doing an important astronomical investigation, let alone a funded one!
Many people will be drunk with the miracle, over excited; many others will be just drunk.
The odds of inadvertent tripping, bumping, disconnect, electronic interference, hijinks, etc. happening are, to put it mildly, *astronomically* high!
Hopefully, drunk on CORONA BEER!
4
This will be our 11th eclipse. We've had our reservations for two years, for a location on centerline in Oregon on the eastern side of the mountains. We have found that even though we know all the science that predicts and explains the eclipse, when totality rushes in during those last few minutes, our more primitive selves take over and we are somehow stricken by abject terror. It is truly a profound experience and once you see one you are ready to plan for the next one. By all means look at the totally-eclipsed black sun with naked eyes and/or binoculars (to see the colors of the chromosphere) and forget about taking pictures. They will be disappointing. Your eyes will see more than any camera. Trust me! Good seeing to all!
6
What? No live showing at the Hayden Planetarium? New Yorkers aren't people too?
1
Oh, to be there again with all me old chums from the Fabled Sixties! And at this event, no less. Alas, I am on deadline and in the Swmp. July's column is out. Have a free read on me, if you like: TODAY'S TRAIN IS NOT RUNNING TODAY www.LEJ.org
May the Fourth be with you, mon ami / amie! ~ LEJ.org
May the Fourth be with you, mon ami / amie! ~ LEJ.org
Are they going to make people sign waivers,so if their eyes get hurt they will not sue the college/town? You just know some people will not pay attention to instructions, and wear their glasses. Combine that wilth greedy lawyers, and that will cost $$$$.
As a child of the 70's who was forced to stand, bored, in the school parking lot looking up at an eclipse, I can honestly say I just. don't. get. it. How can people possibly be planning vacations around this minor thing? It gets a little bit dark for two minutes, not unlike an overcast day, and you get to stare at a little dot in a pinhole camera. Whoopidy-freaking-do.
And please do not get started about the 2024 eclipse. My Mormon brother-in-law is already predicting the end of the earth, since the crossing point with this eclipse is near the site of the mythical Garden of Eden or some such nonsense in the Book of Mormon. As if God would ever stoop so low as to put paradise in Missouri. No, really, this an actual thing. Google it.
And please do not get started about the 2024 eclipse. My Mormon brother-in-law is already predicting the end of the earth, since the crossing point with this eclipse is near the site of the mythical Garden of Eden or some such nonsense in the Book of Mormon. As if God would ever stoop so low as to put paradise in Missouri. No, really, this an actual thing. Google it.
2
There has not been a total solar eclipse across the US since 1918, so not sure what you were looking at
6
So what experience of any sort would count as exciting or valuable to you that cannot also be mocked, derided, and deflated as you do the one about the total eclipse? Perhaps you see no reason or point to the sense of awe or even human existence, in which case, you would be consistent, but devoid of any worth.
Worth pointing out that since the Moon is constantly getting farther away from the Earth, a million or two million years hence, there would be no totality; and a million or two million years ago there would have been no annular eclipse. And these durations are just a blink of an eye in the history of the solar system. Humans with telescopes and some conception of what is taking place also we're not around a few million years ago, and are extremely unlikely to be around a few million years hence.
It is an open question as to whether this is exhilarating or depression.
Worth pointing out that since the Moon is constantly getting farther away from the Earth, a million or two million years hence, there would be no totality; and a million or two million years ago there would have been no annular eclipse. And these durations are just a blink of an eye in the history of the solar system. Humans with telescopes and some conception of what is taking place also we're not around a few million years ago, and are extremely unlikely to be around a few million years hence.
It is an open question as to whether this is exhilarating or depression.
7
This is the first total eclipse of the Sun visible from the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) since February 26, 1979. The last time a total eclipse was visible from coast to coast was on June 8, 1918.
There will be a giant crowd at the stadium, which is ominously attractive to terrorists and psycho activities. I hope the government will do their best to keep everyone safe and happy.
Well then, I guess we better cancel all events in stadia for the foreseeable future.
3
I will be sitting in the middle of a field near the town of Madras, Oregon when the show starts. I have been having eclipse dreams, which is weird because I've never actually experienced one. Been waiting for this one since I was 8 years old and I'm in my 50's now.
7
I am genuinely excited for this! Planning to take the day off work. It's good to be reminded that there are still some really neat and cool things in the universe.
5
Thousands flocking to Oregon to see this too
1
I passed through Carbondale twice in my lifetime also when my brother went to SIU. I stopped by to see him on my way to college further east decades ago. Then again after my 1st summer job. Then my brother joined me in MA after a detour to WI. Now my brother has passed away, there is little chance I will ever be back to Carbondale again. Still, I am glad it has its moment in the sun - with two total eclipses.
Obviously there is no relationship between the eclipses and my life; but yet, reading this column has brought on a vague sense of loss and totality
Obviously there is no relationship between the eclipses and my life; but yet, reading this column has brought on a vague sense of loss and totality
15
I don't know why, but the sky has always been the most enchanting thing in this world to me. I get that there are other unexplainable treasures of the earth, but for some reason I just can't grasp the idea that we are all under the same sky. Growing up, I always dreamed of seeing an eclipse. I would write down the date and tell everyone I knew about it, but looking back, I do not remember a single time I actually followed through. Maybe I just forgot, or maybe I couldn't stay up that late, as my younger self was not a night owl. Eclipses still intrigue me and the opportunity of being in such a perfect spot to see it all is very tempting. But I relate to the student that said they probably would not attend because I too would not want someone to explain it all to me. There is something mysterious and pleasing about taking in a sight like this and it is just unexplainable. I feel that it would be more interesting to look up at the sky, see this outrageous phenomena and know nothing. I think that if I knew more about the sky than what I already know it wouldn't be as enchanting.
3
Was a member of the Junior Astronomy club more than 60 years ago...it met in the basement of the NY Natural History Museum...once a year someone would talk about coming Eclipse and going in person to watch...I dreamed of doing it...but life makes turns that change your plans...wish I could be there...hope every thing goes well.
7
$25 per seat in the stadium seems cheap. Given they have a budget crisis, and people are paying upwards of $499 for a hotel room, they should charge more. Even if they charged $5 more ($30) per seat that would bring in an extra $75,000.
13
They could charge more but are already asking $25 for an event people can see for free, albeit without a "pregame show".
Well, Carbondale, here's just hoping you have a clear afternoon. I'm keeping my own fingers crossed that forest fires don't make a smoggy mess of our skies in six weeks.
9
Pavillion,Wyoming directly in line and a beautifully spot. Welcome all!!
5
I graduated SIU way back in 1972. I wish that could be on campus for this. SIU is a great university!
6
I ain't going anywhere near' Little Egypt' due to it's proximity to Cairo -pronounced Caro- the land of coal, Confederate, Klan anti-union and anti-black mob violence that earned a 'Bloody Williamson' county name. I am a proud Northern Illinois University DeKalb Huskie alum. SIU is known for partying and losing athletics. NIU is much more than that on every level Satan planned this locale for an eclipse.
3
Wrong again. Carbondale is a much more liberal town than Dekalb will ever be.
I've lived in both. Carbondale: land of lakes and forests and beautiful state parks.
DeKalb: land of corn, corn, and more corn.
I've lived in both. Carbondale: land of lakes and forests and beautiful state parks.
DeKalb: land of corn, corn, and more corn.
18
You are so right Ralph. I went to SIU in the mid 60's
Buckminster Fuller was one of my teachers. It was a wonderful university. I met my first husband there and then after grad school at OU went to DeKalb for a teaching job interview,( which he was offered) but one look look at that place, we decided to take the Head of the photography department at The University of Hawaii and we have never looked back. I saw a total eclipse out here on the Big Island in the 80s and it was grand. Enjoy the experience. Play "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" while it is happening.
Buckminster Fuller was one of my teachers. It was a wonderful university. I met my first husband there and then after grad school at OU went to DeKalb for a teaching job interview,( which he was offered) but one look look at that place, we decided to take the Head of the photography department at The University of Hawaii and we have never looked back. I saw a total eclipse out here on the Big Island in the 80s and it was grand. Enjoy the experience. Play "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" while it is happening.
12
I optimistically tried for a hotel room in Corvallis Oregon. The clerk quoted the price of $756.00 a night, three night minimum. Appears the eclipse is good fortune for some........
5
Sure hate it for you.
If we could see Donnie Trump's personal and family income tax returns and business records we would know how much the organized crime family aka the House of Trump is making a fortune.
I got family in Portland Oregon and we are gathering for a family reunion with multiple homes and cars including a rented field all to ourselves. The only worthy wonderful city in Illinois that begins with the letter C is Chicago.
If we could see Donnie Trump's personal and family income tax returns and business records we would know how much the organized crime family aka the House of Trump is making a fortune.
I got family in Portland Oregon and we are gathering for a family reunion with multiple homes and cars including a rented field all to ourselves. The only worthy wonderful city in Illinois that begins with the letter C is Chicago.
3
"By some cosmic serendipity, this college town will be among the best places to witness the Great American Eclipse as it whisks across the contiguous United States, the first total solar eclipse to do so since 1918."
That's different from what I mean by the word "serendipity."
That's different from what I mean by the word "serendipity."
1
Especially as the solar system and eclipses virtually run like clockwork.
Plus, there have been plenty of total eclipses in the lower 48 since 1918!
What in the world is the author on about?!
The only possibility is that they meant it went from coast to coast, which may or may not be true, but definitely ISN'T the same thing as an eclipse that "whisks across the contiguous United States"!
As the cosmic sage and popularizer said, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence!"
Or, at least careful wording or thinking about what one is writing, especially when it involves very specific, checkable facts!
Plus, there have been plenty of total eclipses in the lower 48 since 1918!
What in the world is the author on about?!
The only possibility is that they meant it went from coast to coast, which may or may not be true, but definitely ISN'T the same thing as an eclipse that "whisks across the contiguous United States"!
As the cosmic sage and popularizer said, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence!"
Or, at least careful wording or thinking about what one is writing, especially when it involves very specific, checkable facts!
1
Over the last 100 years, there have been eight total eclipses visible in the lower 48. Of those, seven just grazed the US and only one - in 1918 - went all the way across. Hardly "plenty".
8
It is a great nice town to visit anytime!
3
Carbondale? Really? What if a tropical storm hits the Texas coast the day before and all you have are clouds. Even a regular low pressure system could mess up the viewing. I'm going to Wyoming.
3
Are you expecting a close encounter of the third kind?
3
August is usually dry, sunny, and hot in S. Illinois. (April would be a different story.) Always a chance of rain of course.
2
You should alert all the scientists congregating in Carbondale.
2
We live eight miles west of Carbondale. The excitement is ramping up around here. We're just praying for no rain and clear skies so we can set out our lawn chairs, have some cold beers and look to the heavens.
There goes the sun, little darling,
and I say:
It's all right.
There goes the sun, little darling,
and I say:
It's all right.
18
You should save your prayers for living anywhere except near Carbondale. Death Valley? Yellowstone National Park? New Madrid? San Andreas?
1
C'mon Oregon! The mighty Ducks have no reason to try to steal the light from the Saukis. We are the point of greatest duration and the crossroads of the next eclipse. The odds of this happening are truly astronomical. I will view the eclipse from you vantage point if you provide me a feed and post it on solareclipselive.com and mention nice things about OSU.
Good story. It is worth mentioning that this "Great American Eclipse"(also the title of 1918 eclipse) provided the first opportunity for many to test Einstein's Theory of Relativity published 1915. It served to disprove elements of Newton's Theory of Gravity.
Good story. It is worth mentioning that this "Great American Eclipse"(also the title of 1918 eclipse) provided the first opportunity for many to test Einstein's Theory of Relativity published 1915. It served to disprove elements of Newton's Theory of Gravity.
9
You mean Saluki not Saukis.
How many have been lynched in Little Egypt for looking like Ben Carson?
Einstein augmented Newton. But Einstein could not unite his relativity theory with the theory of quantum mechanics.
Einstein could not explain either dark matter and refused to accept dark energy.
How many have been lynched in Little Egypt for looking like Ben Carson?
Einstein augmented Newton. But Einstein could not unite his relativity theory with the theory of quantum mechanics.
Einstein could not explain either dark matter and refused to accept dark energy.
1
Well, as a proud SIUC alum, all I can say is that if there's a place you'd want to be for something like this....it's Carbondale! Bound to be real barn-burner of a good time. I'm using the occasion to take my native-Californian spouse, an astronomy enthusiast, home to Illinois to see the place where I went to college. On Aug. 21, they'll be the Astro Dogs!!
14
The only worthy city beginning with a C in Illinois is Chicago. What are you proud of SIUC alum? Why not take him surfing and cray fishing?
2
I saw the last one in Maine 54 years ago. It's vastly overrated (unless you didn't know about it ahead of time)
1
I would have bet a billion dollars there was no such thing as an "eclipse hipster" and...here we are.
13
bbmcrae
I audibly laughed. Perfect comment. I'm taking a screenshot.
I audibly laughed. Perfect comment. I'm taking a screenshot.
3
I was reconnoitering Madras Oregon (pop 8000) early this month, and stopped for a bottle of gin. I asked the lady at the register what the word was on the eclipse. She looked at me for a moment then said softly "chaos!"
9
Human sacrifice can fix 'chaos'.
4
Ive always been interested to see an eclipse in general being as young as i am ive had times i could have not a total eclipse but there has been a time or two where i just didnt care and what makes and eclipse a best spot? Is the space that the moon covers the sun not enough to have multiple good great and perfect spots? I guess everyone should just enjoy the experience because it happens all around not just corvallis and southern Illinois ill be glad to see the experience this time though
1
My friend is travelling from NJ to Tennessee to watch it. Here's a great map that shows the path. You can zoom in.
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2017_GoogleMapFu...
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2017_GoogleMapFu...
1
What about a story on Oregon State University in Corvallis Oregon? Dead center location for the eclipse. A true science university. It's been said approx. 500,000 people will travel to the Willamette valley to view the eclipse. Great summner weather, usually not a cloud in the sky and often with temperatures in the low 80's, and it's dry heat not the nasty hot and humid weather of the Midwest.
16
Corvallis is south of the center line and will have about 15 seconds less totality.
8
First, Corvallis is not dead center for this eclipse. Salem is closer to the center line, while maximum eclipse is 2000 miles away in Kentucky.
Second, Oregon will have no trouble attracting people. On the I-5 corridor, expect traffic to be absolutely packed with visitors from Washington and Northern California. Road capacity will be a limiting factor.
Finally, the Willamette valley is a somewhat risky choice for people coming to view the eclipse. Who's to say that you won't have a big marine push the night before that clouds out the valley during 10 am totality? If that happens, everyone will be trapped under the stratus, unable to flee to somewhere cloudless.
The smart money says to head east of the Cascades into the swath running from Madras to Casper, WY.
Second, Oregon will have no trouble attracting people. On the I-5 corridor, expect traffic to be absolutely packed with visitors from Washington and Northern California. Road capacity will be a limiting factor.
Finally, the Willamette valley is a somewhat risky choice for people coming to view the eclipse. Who's to say that you won't have a big marine push the night before that clouds out the valley during 10 am totality? If that happens, everyone will be trapped under the stratus, unable to flee to somewhere cloudless.
The smart money says to head east of the Cascades into the swath running from Madras to Casper, WY.
9
the marine layer during August and September is usually limited to within 5 or 10 miles of the coast. The coastal range blocks it's further advance. Someone from Seattle obviously hasn't a clue to life on the Oregon coast or the Valley for that matter.
1
If you want a college town experience for the eclipse, Corvallis (Oregon State) would be my choice.
8
That is where me and my family are headed. And I am from the South of Chicago and I am a proud Northern Illinois University DeKalb Huskie alum who would prefer going to a series of funerals than going to Carbondale to see some fancy Saluki.
2
Sorry you flunked out of SIU. Dekalb is an awful town. NIU is a cold, unfriendly place and a monument to concrete. Went there.
Carbondale's a great little college town.
Carbondale's a great little college town.
3
See Da Vinci days in July and come back for the eclipse. Leonardo would be proud...
Still the coolest thing I have ever witnessed - the total eclipse from the archeological site of Monte Albán in Oaxaca Mexico in 1991. I still have a giant photographic framed poster print I took and is hanging as a centerpiece of my home since 1991.
I will certainly not miss this upcoming Black Hole In the Sky event. The world is coming to an end, but we can't blame this eclipse.
I will certainly not miss this upcoming Black Hole In the Sky event. The world is coming to an end, but we can't blame this eclipse.
21
I always find it amusing to read of the huge numbers of people stampeding to the site of a solar eclipse that they do not dare to look at, on pain of sustaining permanent eye damage.
If I choose to see the event on TV or stream it, I will get a better view than any of those forced to turn their back and project it onto a piece of cardboard.
If I choose to see the event on TV or stream it, I will get a better view than any of those forced to turn their back and project it onto a piece of cardboard.
4
Read about how to view solar eclipses. We will be looking directly at the sun, not projecting onto cardboard. There are a variety of safe filters, cheapest is to simply get some mylar from an art supply store or a pair of $2 mylar-and-cardboard glasses from Amazon.
Watching on TV vs seeing in person? It's like watching your best friend's wedding on TV vs being there in the wedding party. Because it's not just the image of the sun, it's the change in the quality of the light as totality approaches, it's the sound, and also the touch - the change in temperature mentioned in the article.
But by all means stay at home, that will lessen the size of the crowds.
Watching on TV vs seeing in person? It's like watching your best friend's wedding on TV vs being there in the wedding party. Because it's not just the image of the sun, it's the change in the quality of the light as totality approaches, it's the sound, and also the touch - the change in temperature mentioned in the article.
But by all means stay at home, that will lessen the size of the crowds.
25
You are easily amused. The disc itself is viewable with welder's filters (#14) or special, inexpensive glasses. A big part of the experience is the approach of the shadow line and the time spent in the shadow. Turning your back or projecting it is not required.
Watching something on TV is not the same as real life, though the distinction is being continually blurred.
Watching something on TV is not the same as real life, though the distinction is being continually blurred.
2
I find it amusing that you use the word "stampeding" to describe an event that people have been planning for (and making reservations for) more than a year in advance. You also seem to have missed the fact that the local planners in Carbondale bought 50,000 pairs of eclipse glasses so people can watch in person, safely.
Across our nation roughly 4,800 libraries are giving away free glasses to enable anyone to do the same.
Across our nation roughly 4,800 libraries are giving away free glasses to enable anyone to do the same.
5
They are optimistically assuming that it will be cloudless there on the 21st. I would decide exactly where to sight the eclipse based on forecasts 2-3 days out.
6
and if that optimal place is halfway across the country? what then? 2-3 days out is pretty late to be making travel plans for a major event like this.
I made my reservations for an RV space in a small town in central oregon about a year ago. 75-80% probability of totally clear weather in late august. I plan on getting to that RV space several days before the eclipse and staying put a couple days after to avoid the worst of the traffic jams from the last minute dropins.
I made my reservations for an RV space in a small town in central oregon about a year ago. 75-80% probability of totally clear weather in late august. I plan on getting to that RV space several days before the eclipse and staying put a couple days after to avoid the worst of the traffic jams from the last minute dropins.
17
Hoping, not assuming. I've been an amateur astronomer for 50 years and I take nothing for granted. I'm driving from Maryland to Tennessee with my wife and 2 friends who are flying in from the UK for the event. We're hopeful.
7
They are optimistically assuming that any rational normal person would want to voluntarily spend 158 seconds in Carbondale.
2
8 week forecast: cloudy, chance of rain, wind 60 mph.
Only kidding
Only kidding
4
Was "Trump's fault" left out? "Global warming?"
C'dale in Aug. -- lawns dead from the sunny heat. Often praying for rain. That's more like it.
C'dale in Aug. -- lawns dead from the sunny heat. Often praying for rain. That's more like it.
It is going to be a Hands Across America moment. It would be interesting to see real time cellphone and credit card data showing the migration into and out of the eclipse zone.
25
This will be head to tail across America. And Carbondale is appropriately placed near the terminus of the digestive tract.
3
My two favorite college towns, and I've been to and lived in a lot of them, are Carbondale and Bozeman. Cdale has a great music scene - prettiest part of the state.
1