2017 Solar Eclipse

[brmstn69]

As many people know August 21, 2017 will feature a total solar eclipse visible to a 70 mile wide path across much of the United States. Those outside the 70 mile path will only get a partial view.



Here's my dilemma...

I live a relativity short drive away from either of the two best spots in the country to view the eclipse.

I'm here in Evansville Indiana (blue), 100 miles to the west is Carbondale, Illinois (red) and 80 miles south is Hopkinsville, Kentucky (green)...



Both locations have some good benefits. Carbondale is having a three day music festival called "Moonstock" hosted by Ozzy Osborn with Ozzy taking the stage during the eclipse. And Hopkinsville has the "Geek cred" as the sight of the "Hopkinsville Goblins" UFO encounter, as an added bonus the eclipse just happens to fall on the anniversary of the encounter, August 21, 1955...

So which way do I go? Or should I just stay home and watch it from here. Evansville won't get the "total eclipse" since we're right on the edge, but we will get 99.04% totality. Is less than 1% really worth the drive?

Incidentally, this eclipse is sort of a practice run for us because there will be another solar eclipse in 2024 and Evansville will be a prime viewing location...

 

[Shelter]

As many people know August 21, 2017 will feature a total solar eclipse visible to a 70 mile wide path across much of the United States. Those outside the 70 mile path will only get a partial view.



Here's my dilemma...

I live a relativity short drive away from either of the two best spots in the country to view the eclipse.

I'm here in Evansville Indiana (blue), 100 miles to the west is Carbondale, Illinois (red) and 80 miles south is Hopkinsville, Kentucky (green)...



Both locations have some good benefits. Carbondale is having a three day music festival called "Moonstock" hosted by Ozzy Osborn with Ozzy taking the stage during the eclipse. And Hopkinsville has the "Geek cred" as the sight of the "Hopkinsville Goblins" UFO encounter, as an added bonus the eclipse just happens to fall on the anniversary of the encounter, August 21, 1955...

So which way do I go? Or should I just stay home and watch it from here. Evansville won't get the "total eclipse" since we're right on the edge, but we will get 99.04% totality. Is less than 1% really worth the drive?

Incidentally, this eclipse is sort of a practice run for us because there will be another solar eclipse in 2024 and Evansville will be a prime viewing location...

Hi my friend, why you shall wait to 2024? Go to Carbondale and have some fun as well with the eclipse AND with "Moonstock" festival and Ozzy Osborn. And in 2024 you'll have it in your Evansville. p