Lifestyle

August 21 Total Solar Eclipse Brings Equal Pensiveness and Celebration

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Tony Maples Photography

 

On August 21, an event which hasn’t occurred for nearly 100 years will take place. Citizens and scientists alike across the U.S. will be watching a total solar eclipse crossing the continent. Commencing in Oregon onward to South Carolina in just two hours, this phenomenon will travel an estimated 1,500 miles per hour.

August 21 Total Solar Eclipse Brings Equal Pensiveness and Celebration

Photo: Wikipedia

From Texas, the view will look like a partial eclipse, however, the sensation it’s causing is no less sublime than for those that are directly within its path. From Dallas, it will appear as though the moon is covering a large portion of the sun, which is also quite a remarkable sight. The small Illinois town of Makanda will be directly within the path of the eclipse and is one place that CBS News sent reporter Adriana Diaz to follow up on the story. Although many are seeing the day as one which will be dark for millions, conversely, it appears an equal number view it as an opportunity to celebrate.

August 21 Total Solar Eclipse Brings Equal Pensiveness and Celebration

Photo: Facebook/Suejim Kramer

Tens of thousands of people are anticipated to pour into Makanda and the surrounding area including scientists that will prepare to witness and study the effects of the August 21 total solar eclipse. As such, the town has had a path painted, outlining the journey the eclipse will take, and the unofficial coordinator for the event, Joe McFarland, told CBS News that he’s worried about issues such as crowd control and traffic concerns. With a swath that will measure 70 miles in width, the eclipse may drop daytime temperatures as much as 25 degrees. That alone is cause for curiosity.

August 21 Total Solar Eclipse Brings Equal Pensiveness and Celebration

Photo: Facebook/Global Astrology

Although Makanda is only one of the many places across the U.S. at which the total eclipse will occur, it will also be one of the many sites where, according to the Franklin Institute Science Museum’s chief astronomer Derrick Pitts, “…everyone all around you has this sense, this feeling of awe as they’re watching this really incredible experience.” NASA astrophysicist Dr. Alex Young noted that they’ll be monitoring changes in light and temperature, along with the reactions by animals and plants over the course of the total eclipse. An eclipse such as this is not expected again until 2024, and so for this year’s event, many accommodations along the swath of the eclipse are already booked. But if you hurry, you might be able to schedule an overnight for the next go-round!

References:

Time And Date

CBS News