Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Login to Like
this post
I also bought one of your books and I'm looking forward to the day I'm back in the Round Rock area to get you to sign it. I have a friend from Pfluggerville coming up for the eclipse!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
I'm planning to be in Kentucky as well for the eclipse. My wife has a high school friend in Woodburn (south of Bowling Green). Aren't you relatively close, a little bit north, to there?
We'll stay at their farm, if the weather will be good. If the weather forecast for Kentucky is not good, I'll find some place where it is good and drive there probably by myself.
(Shamelss plug time) - Don't forget about the other book. I can sign them both at the same time! 
Login to Like
this post
Or you can stay put and wait for the eclipse to come to you April 8, 2024!
Lars
P.S. - You're not selling the other book here. I'm not into poetry. But I will say again, for the record, Whitechapel Fog was engaging, entertaining, and well worth the read!
Login to Like
this post
The other book isn't poetry. It's short stories in the same vein as the novel.
Don't want to wait that long to see a total eclipse. I've been on the periphery several times. I want to see the entire show.
Login to Like
this post
Woodburn isn't a bad choice. It all depends on weather, of course.
Login to Like
this post
I'm near Paducah, south of the centerline.
The centerline is overrated. Using the simple geometry of a circle, the centerline will get 100% of the minutes it takes for the shadow to pass overhead while someone halfway between the centerline and the outer edge of totality will experience totality for only 10% less time but may be able to see a difference in the north and south horizons during totality.
The Annular eclipse coming to Texas in 2023 (not the Total Eclipse in 2024) is also interesting. Sometimes the moon is too far away from Earth to totally block out the sun. In those cases the moon totally covers the sun, but still leaves an outer ring of blinding light if you don't use protection.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
The last annular eclipse that I saw did not darken the skies much at all. I have never experienced totality. I think 75% is the most, so I want to experience totality at least once in my life!
In Woodburn, the totality period will last about 30 seconds less than at other places closer to the centerline. Still 2 minutes of totality isn't bad!
Login to Like
this post
"The last annular eclipse that I saw did not darken the skies much at all. I have never experienced totality. I think 75% is the most, so I want to experience totality at least once in my life!"
Yes, totality is the goal, but I think it's fascinating that the only difference between an annular eclipse and a total eclipse is how far the moon is away from the earth! The moon and sun are almost exactly the same size in our sky, because even thought the sun is 400 times wider than the moon, it is also 400 times farther away. The moon varies from 28 to 32 Earth diameters away in its orbit. When it's closer (perigee), it can totally block the sun (93 million miles away), but when it is farther away (apogee), you get an annular eclipse where the moon covers the center of the sun but light still spills around the edges.
"In Woodburn, the totality period will last about 30 seconds less than at other places closer to the centerline. Still 2 minutes of totality isn't bad "
Take advantage of your offset. You will see the shadow coming from your southwest at mach 2+ and in totality your northern horizon should be lighter than your southern horizon.
Many viewers like the offset since you sacrifice very little time in totality for more profound effects at the margins.
Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter should all be visible during totality. Be sure you have your bearings and a celestial map!
I'm not that far from Woodburn, but if Woodburn is going to be cloudy and Paducah is going to be clear, contact me. My primary backup plan is friends in Clarksville, TN.
Should be a good show!
Login to Like
this post
I figure if the weather is bad in Woodburn, it'll probably be bad in most of the Kentucky and Tennessee area. My back-up plan right now is to go up towards St. Louis (kind of close to Kentucky) or Kansas City. Hopefully Mother Nature will want to share her great show with us wherever we are.
Login to Like
this post
The Eclipse is supposed to be at it's longest between Princeton and Hopkinsville Kentucky. I live in Princeton, and I can tell you that the area is planning big for thousands of people to attend. Hotel rooms are already sold out.
I hope that the weather is good that day. I plan to see the eclipse from my own backyard.
Karen
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Yep. 2 minutes and 40 seconds (give or take a second)! Where I plan to be (a little bit northeast of there) it'll last just a couple of seconds over 2 minutes. I'm getting excited!
Login to Like
this post
Another place that is planning big is Makanda, IL (Giant City State Park) and Carbondale, IL because the 2024 eclipse goes through there, too!
It all boils down to clouds, but August is BY FAR the lowest rainfall month in these parts:
http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/paducah/kentucky/united-states/usky1215
So I'd say we have a reasonably good chance of a great show!
I wish there was a way to get a date/time stamp at the local PO during the eclipse, but they only have CDS cancel stamps with the date only. How cool would it be to get an eclipse stamp cancelled in Oregon during totality of first landfall, during totality in your viewing area, and during totality at the last spot of land in South Carolina? The postmark would have to have the time, not just the date, and it would have to be fairly accurate.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
According to Accuweather, this is the historical average weather conditions for August 21 (the day of the eclipse) for Bowling Green, Kentucky:
Partly sunny with a thunderstorm
low temperature 65 degrees with a high of 87 degrees
Login to Like
this post
In the totality zone, even with thick clouds it will go from being a cloudy day to being black as night. That still will be an awesome experience! I live not too far away, along the Ohio River in Madison, Indiana, and hope to be somewhere in the zone.
Login to Like
this post
Indiana does not lie in the path of totality. NASA's site states that Madison, Indiana will see about 94% totality. From the map it looks like the closest town for you to drive to in order to see totality will be Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Login to Like
this post
Right. What I meant is that, since I live not too far away, I intend to travel to somewhere in the zone.
Login to Like
this post
I got a rare opportunity today at my local post office. The clerks notified me that they received the new Eclipse stamp and were excited about it. I was asked if I wanted to see it, but they stressed that I could not buy it until it was released.
They brought out a pane for me to see. It is black, gray and quite drab looking. I placed it on the counter, and placed my thumb over one of the black moon disks. After about ten seconds I removed my thumb, but hardly saw any change. I asked the clerk if he had tried it. He said that it took at least 30 seconds for the moon to appear. I tried it again, but removed my thumb after about 20 seconds. This time at little bit of the moon was beginning to appear. The image of the moon is not bright, appearing a dull, light gray.
I picked up the pane to get a closer look at it. I quickly saw that the moon began to appear on several of the stamps without my placing a finger on the black disk. Then I noticed that the moon was appearing at the locations where my fingers were touching the pane on the backside. I moved my fingers around the back of the pane, and the moon appeared over and over again after just a couple of seconds. The trick is to handle the pane from behind, and the moon appears right away! That was fun, and the clerks all tried it too!
I haven't seen it mentioned, but the post office also has a black commemorative envelope with silver printing in which to place a pane of the eclipse stamps. My understanding is that the envelopes are in very limited supply. My post office only received five of them. They are holding a sheet of stamps in one of the envelopes for me to buy on June 20th.
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Eclipse luck
I live in Union, MO - about 35 mi SW of St Louis, north of I-44. As best I can tell from the maps, I'm right on the 100% line. I have one spare bedroom with a new, never slept in, bed. Any SOR member who wants a good spot to view the eclipse is welcome. Bring duplicates and a bottle of your favorite wine. Just PM me if you're interested.
Login to Like
this post
It might be useful to know who lives in or near the path and who is planning to travel to the path. I have preliminary plans, but the 24-48 hour forecast may cause me to visit friends elsewhere on the path just as they may come here if they have a cloudy forecast.
Therefore, I can't say for certain that I will be anywhere near home during the eclipse, but if the weather cooperates I will be near Paducah, KY. If nothing else we may be able to arrange a happy hour at a Restaurant on I-24.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
Same here. Can't make the final plans until the Thursday before I would think. If Kentucky washes out, like I said, I'll head north. The furthest northwest I can probably go would be to the Casper, Wyoming area. It would be a mad dash to get there, and I'd rough it in the car instead of hotels.
Login to Like
this post
I had not yet been aware of the eclipse until I read this post. Better yet it looks like a half hour drive North will get me to 2 min 30 seconds. Something to look forward too.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I am so envious of all of you.
Because I need a constant supply of oxygen, I can't carry enough bottles to make it to an area of totality. (I use up to 1.5 bottles a day) Columbia SC is the closest to me which will be close to a 7 hour drive. Can't afford to rent one of the portable oxygen generating concentrators. They run about 100 a day, and the last time I rented one, its battery only lasted about an hour before needing recharging.
Guess I'll have to be happy with whatever partial I can get here in Virginia. I sure hope to see some good shots.
That brings me to a question. If I wanted to take photos of he sun, what kind of filter should I get. I'm told a welders mask would work but not sure.
Login to Like
this post
According to NASA, your location will see 85% totality. It won't get completely dark, but you should still get a good "show".
Login to Like
this post
Here's a link to Nikon regarding taking photographs of a solar eclipse:
how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse
Login to Like
this post
FYI, the USA solar eclipse stamp was released today.
Login to Like
this post
As luck would have it, I was able to convince my Oxygen rental place to rent me two extra O2 bottles (one lasts almost a full day). Four total would easily last me three days.
I checked rooms in Charleston SC and couldn't believe the price. shifted about 30 miles up the highway to Summerville and Booked a room for $110 a night. We'll drive down Sunday (8 hours) and set up the camera on Monday by the pool.e Relax when it's over and drive home on Tuesday. I can cancel as late as the Day before check in with no penalties so I'll be watching the forecasts. Once I get the ND filter for my lens, I'll be outside practicing on the full sun on weekends until then.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
What type of camera are you going to use? Please let us know what settings seem to work best for you in your tests.
Login to Like
this post
I have a Nikon D-7200. I'll be using my 70-300mm lens at both ends of the zoom. Can't do anything until I get an Solar rated ND filter so I'm waiting for payday so I can order one. Being back to work after two months on disability, I'll be able to spend more.
Login to Like
this post
If anyone gets a spectacular shot of the eclipse I would be interested in making a purchase for a reasonable price. I will check the BUY/SELL section of SOR first after the eclipse!
Just so you know, the filters needed for the total eclipse (where you can see Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter) are TOTALLY DIFFERENT from 1 minute to totality!
Anyone planning to take photos needs to do some serious research if you will be in totality since you will likely have less than two and a half minutes to take all the photos you may ever take of a totality. Do you really want to wing it?
I'm spending my time WATCHING the eclipse and I will PAY for a great photo from a skilled photographer.
Lars
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I have a Canon, but 300mm is what I was thinking too.
Lars, you can't use a filter during totality. You won't get a picture. One will have to be quick to get the filter off, and get the exposure going for the totality shot. You still have the movement of the earth, sun and moon to contend with if a long exposure is necessary.
I have thought of taking a few snaps, and then watching the event. I stopped taking video of events that my children were in when they were in school. I felt like I never actually saw anything, because I was too busy working the camera. Then I watched all the parents bumping each other to get the best shot and obscuring everyone else's view. I never did that. I used a telephoto lens that let me stand back out of the way.
Oh well, I'll figure it out. One thing is that I will have to buy the lens. My Minolta lens doesn't interchange with my Canon camera.
Login to Like
this post
"Lars, you can't use a filter during totality. You won't get a picture."
That was the point I was trying to make. I don't plan to attempt to take ANY photos of the eclipse, either before or during totality. I will leave that to the professionals and just enjoy the view.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
If the sun isn't active, then during totality the corona won't be all that spectacular. However, when the sun is active, the corona can be quite large. Two months to go!
Login to Like
this post
I bought the eclipse stamp today. By the time I got home, the heat in the car exposed the moon!
By the way, the optional black envelope costs 25 cents.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Here is the backside of the pane. The liner paper is not perforated through. I cropped the image a little bit to get rid of blank white space.
Login to Like
this post
Michael,
Thanks for the heads-up on the black folder - my post office only got 10 and they actually saved one for me. I wouldn't have known to ask if it hadn't been for your earlier post.
My fingers were too cold to make the image change, but the postal clerk was glad to demonstrate. My kids were also thrilled to try it out when I got home.
If it works best warming it up from the backside, how much heat does it take to make it change on an envelope? Has anyone tried it yet?
Login to Like
this post
The heat in the car from the post office to the house made it change. Also, I saw that the change tends to stay if the temperature is above 75 degrees. The stamps in the house show the moon, although in a subdued manner, but there is no black disk. The heat from the scanner light also appears to have effected the change as well. It doesn't appear to take much to make the stamp change.
Login to Like
this post
Now I'm confused.
The image changes to show the moon surface when heat is applied. Does it change back once the heat source is removed?
I do plan to buy a few sheets. One to collect and the other to use as postage.
Login to Like
this post
Yes, the moon is normally a black disk.
Login to Like
this post
Yahoo news had an article about Astronomers Without Borders. The organization is giving away a large number of solar-viewing glasses to other organizations that don't have funding to buy their own.
Also, people can purchases the glasses (good for viewing the sun at any time) direct from the organization. The price varies by quantity. 10 pair is the minimum number of glasses that must be purchased. Price is $2.50 each with free shipping. I bought the minimum.
For more information (I do not belong to this organization; I think this is a great deal to be able to safely view the eclipse without great expense) here's the link to their web site:
http://astronomerswithoutborders.org/
Login to Like
this post
I bought my solar eclipse shades from Rainbow Symphony:
https://www.rainbowsymphonystore.com/collections/eclipse-glasses-safe-solar-viewers/products/eclipse-glasses
They are $1.95 each for 10 to 24, but the price drops a LOT when you buy 25. (In fact, 25 are cheaper than 11 - go figure). I bought 25 at $0.85 each because I have a lot of family members to provide for and I live in the path of totality.
There are 3 designs that include a nice 11 x 17 poster at no extra cost:
https://www.rainbowsymphonystore.com/collections/eclipse-glasses-safe-solar-viewers/products/eclipse-glasses-2017#content
This is the one I bought:
https://www.rainbowsymphonystore.com/collections/eclipse-glasses-safe-solar-viewers/products/eclipse-glasses-all-american-eclipse#content
This one is for folks in Oregon:
https://www.rainbowsymphonystore.com/collections/eclipse-glasses-safe-solar-viewers/products/eclipse-shades-oregon-2017-commemorative-glasses-and-poster#content
Whatever you buy, just be sure they are ISO 12312-2 certified! According to the NASA web site:
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety
"The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” (example shown at left) or hand-held solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. To date four manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17. "
The shades Michael mentioned appear to be printed by Rainbow Symphony so they are ISO certified (but more expensive).
If you only need one pair (these are ISO certified), all it takes is a SASE:
http://www.eclipseglasses2017.com/free-eclipse-glasses/
Lars
Login to Like
this post
"I haven't seen it mentioned, but the post office also has a black commemorative envelope with silver printing in which to place a pane of the eclipse stamps. My understanding is that the envelopes are in very limited supply. My post office only received five of them. "
They are available on USPS web site for 25 cents each:
https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?productId=S_475329&categoryId=stamp-collectors
Lars
Login to Like
this post
This is my review of the solar glasses.
The solar glasses arrived today. As I thought, they are similar in construction to 3-D glasses one gets in the movie theaters (DO NOT USE MOVIE THEATER 3-D GLASS TO LOOK AT THE SUN!!).
The solar glasses are manufactured in the USA by Rainbow Symphony as was surmised by Lars' earlier post. I don't mind the extra cost as the organization I bought them from states that 100% of the proceeds will go to buy solar glasses for groups that can't afford to buy them, like schools, scouts, etc. from poorer locations.
I wear eyeglasses, so I had to figure out how to wear the solar glasses without risking sunlight getting through the edges. Like I do with 3-D glasses, I slipped the solar glasses behind the lenses of my eyeglasses and held them there. I will probably have to remove the hooks on each side that attach to the ears. The frame of the solar glasses is made from card stock, so cutting will be easy. I don't think I would want to remove too much of the side frame as it also acts as a sunblock.
I have a high intensity light, so I tried it out on that light first to get an idea of what to expect. I saw just the filament glowing a soft orange. I then looked at my LED desk lamp. I could see the square LED, glowing a soft orange.
There is a warning to check the lenses before each use just in case a pin hole, tear, whatever, developed since the last use. Since no regular light comes through the lenses, it should be easy to detect any flaw to the lenses. It there is a defect, cut them up and throw them away so someone else can't use them.
Next I went outside to test the glasses on the sun. You can't wear these as "regular" sun glasses as they block all ambient light. You can't see a thing. I looked up at the sun (you must also use these glasses if looking at the sun's reflection say like on a window). There it was, glowing a soft orange. Since it was straight up in the sky, the sun's disk was small. At the horizon it may look better as the light won't have as much atmosphere to get through, and the sun appears larger. Of course, when an eclipse reaches totality, the solar glasses won't be usable as it will be too dark.
Instructions for use are printed on the side frames. One warning is to not use these glasses with telescopes, cameras or binoculars. Get the appropriate lense/filters for that equipment. Also, don't let children use the glasses without strict adult supervision. If they don't use the glasses correctly, you may have a blind child to take care of.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
"I wear eyeglasses, so I had to figure out how to wear the solar glasses without risking sunlight getting through the edges. Like I do with 3-D glasses, I slipped the solar glasses behind the lenses of my eyeglasses and held them there. I will probably have to remove the hooks on each side that attach to the ears. The frame of the solar glasses is made from card stock, so cutting will be easy. I don't think I would want to remove too much of the side frame as it also acts as a sunblock."
I also wear eyeglasses, but you really won't see much more than shadows with the filters, so why bother adding eyeglasses? When I lived in Texas we called that fine-tuning a kazoo. Wear the filters looking at the sun and use your glasses looking elsewhere (and during the two minutes or so of totality).
That's my plan.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
I wore the solar glasses without my eyeglasses, and all I saw was a blurred orange ball. With the glasses the sun was definitely in focus, about two inches round from its position high in the sky.
Definitely have to take off the solar glasses during totality. I'm going to take a couple of shots with the camera, then watch it. I'm not going to worry if the pictures come out or not.
I hear that Alaska Airlines has a special flight that will follow the path of totality across the US. That would be something to see from 50,000 feet high. Probably quite expensive too.
Login to Like
this post
"I wore the solar glasses without my eyeglasses, and all I saw was a blurred orange ball."
Makes sense. Sounds like you have a stronger prescription than mine!
"I hear that Alaska Airlines has a special flight that will follow the path of totality across the US. That would be something to see from 50,000 feet high. Probably quite expensive too."
I doubt they will be at 50,000 feet, but they will be above the clouds. They aren't going to follow the path. A Concorde SST isn't fast enough to keep up. Even an SR-71 isn't fast enough to keep up with the eclipse when it's over Oregon.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I'm thinking of getting a pane of the eclipse stamps. Does anyone know how the stamps will age? That is, will the stamps lose the ability to change the image when heated?
I did see a total solar eclipse in Melbourne, Australia, in 1976 and it is spectacular. Even when there is a sliver of the sun visible it is still relatively bright. Then rapidly it goes dark as totality is reached. Very spooky. Birds stop chirping. I hope it's a clear day (no clouds anywhere). Even if it is clear where the sun is, nearby clouds can dampen the effect a bit. Good luck with the weather.
The Emu
Login to Like
this post
Hi Emu,
Good questions, no one knows since this is a new type of stamp. The sheets of these stamp definitely are 'rippling' even when new. You can make them flat again with some pressing in a book but they quickly regain the ripples.
This, and the fact that this is a brand new process for the USPS, makes me a bit suspect of them but only time will tell how they will hold up.
Don
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
The USPS recommends storing the Eclipse sheet in the special black envelope to protect if from exposure to light. No one knows (or is saying) how long the thermochromic ink will last. The special envelopes cost 25c.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
This is cool!
The link below will take you to a site where you can enter any ZIP Code in the yellow box, and the solar eclipse will be animated to show you how it will look art that ZIP Code, and how dark the sky will get! It also shows you the shortest number of miles you will need to travel to see the total eclipse. Of course, the weather is not predicted.
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16019892/solar-eclipse-2017-interactive-map
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
There is a great iPhone and Android app called Solar Eclipse Timer that tells you the precise times for C1 (first contact), C2 (totality begins), C3 (totality ends), and C4 (last contact) for your specific GPS location. It's a talking timer that tells you when these events occur for your specific location, and also gives helpful hints (when to start looking for shadow bands, etc.
This web page tells more about it:
http://www.solareclipsetimer.com/
I have it loaded on my iPhone.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
I see that Texas will be in the path in 2023 (annular eclipse: 5 minutes) and 2024 (total eclipse: 4 minutes). To see them, it'll be just a 100 mile drive south for 2023, and just 60 miles for 2024. I already know the place I'm going to go to to watch it in 2024!
Login to Like
this post
Luckily I only have to walk outside for the 2017 Total Eclipse (if it's not cloudy), but the 2013 Annular eclipse is probably out of the question for me. The 2014 Total Eclipse is only a few miles away from my house (and my office is inside totality), so I get a "Once in a Lifetime" opportunity twice in 7 years!
That's the good news. The bad news is that we seem to get 100 year floods every 5 years or so!
My biggest fear is that clouds will cover large areas that day, and with the eclipse arriving at Mach 3 and racing across the Midwest at Mach 2, there will be little time for re-positioning and the result could be chaos on the roads and conflict over property rights. Let's hope for sunny skies, coast to coast.
Please be respectful of those around you and NO FLASH photography! That includes your smart phone. Disable flash on your smart phone, or better yet, use an actual CAMERA (where you can adjust f-stop, etc.) to take photos of the folks enjoying the onset of totality. Your photos will be cherished by many, but if you use a flash and "night-blind" everyone for much of the eclipse, maybe not so much.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
Michael,
There are four different threads developing here:
1) The Eclipse stamp itself.
2) General information on the eclipse.
3) People who live on the path of totality. I have family coming in so I don't have any spare rooms, but if someone got caught in traffic and just needed a viewing spot, I can give last minute directions. Other folks on the totality have posted similar invitations. This would also be a good place for those of us on totality to coordinate with others on the path (I will host your bunch if you host my bunch agreements). We may also be able to give useful advice to visitors on where to eat, etc.
4) Photographing the eclipse. This would be a good place to share tips and tricks for photographing the eclipse and let others know there are prints for sale after the fact. I would be interested to know what's available! I WILL purchase a print of the eclipse from SOME photographer, and I have no problem giving SOR photogs the first shot (no pun intended).
Lars
Login to Like
this post
I decided to not set up with a camera to photograph the eclipse. Like you said earlier, and as some recommend elsewhere on the internet, there'll be plenty of pictures taken, so just sit back and enjoy the show. I can always buy a picture later if I want. I may sneak in a shot with my phone (no flash), but I'm just going to watch the 2 minute show.
I have been tracking the weather all along the path of totality. Of course it's too far out to really say for certain, but in the west, it is not projected to be so good. Around Bowling Green, the projected forecast is saying mostly sunny. Rain is in the forecast prior to the 21st. Can't fight the weather, but we can sure wish very hard for a sunny day!
Login to Like
this post
We live less than 10 miles from the totality path, so we have our glasses and my wife even bought me a glow-in-the-dark ‘Great American Eclipse’ tour commemorative t-shirt. And of course we got a few sheets of the US stamps.
Remember the hype surrounding ‘Y2K’ back in 1999? Given the unpredictable weather, I sure hope that this event does not go down the same way.
Don
Login to Like
this post
I will likely be in Aiken SC for the eclipse.
Login to Like
this post
The problem, and frustration, with viewing celestial events is the weather. Long-term forecasting is mostly a guess, but those wanting to experience a rare event have to make plans to go to where the event can be viewed.
We have 19 days until the total solar eclipse occurs in the US. I have been watching the weather forecasts for that date for a couple of weeks.
Here is the extended weather forecast for August 21, 2017, for cities with totality duration of at least 2 minutes (thanks, Don for posting a picture of the t-shirt!) as of August 2, 2017:
Columbia, SC = cloudy with thunderstorms
Greenville, SC = cloudy with thunderstorms
Clayton, GA = cloudy with afternoon showers
Franklin, NC = cloudy with rain
Hopkinsville, KY = cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms
Carbondale, IL = sunny with morning thunderstorms
St. Genevieve, MO = mostly sunny
Columbia, MO = sunny
St. Joseph, MO (64501) = sunny
Atchison, KS (66002) = sunny
Grand Island, NE = mostly sunny
Alliance, NE = cloudy
Casper, WY = mostly cloudy
Jackson, WY = sunny
Rexburg, ID = sunny
Weiser, ID = sunny
Madras, OR = sunny
Use the link below to find the local time for when the eclipse will occur. You just need to look up the ZIP Code for the towns, unless I have entered them in the list above:
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16019892/solar-eclipse-2017-interactive-map
I will post updated forecasts every day or so.
Login to Like
this post
To anyone traveling to the totality zone, Michael's list is East to West, but totality will travel West to East at about Mach 2.
NASA is going to fly 2 observation jets at 50,000 feet that will pick up the eclipse in the Ohio River Valley and chase it at Mach 0.8. Even so, they will only get about 3-1/2 minutes of totality each (versus 2-1/2 on the ground), but clouds won't be a problem!
Who knows if there will be an SR-71 flight following the eclipse. They couldn't keep up in Oregon, but if they started East of the Rockies they may be able to stay in the shadow all the way to South Carolina. I'm sure there would be no shortage of volunteers to make that flight! (Although you couldn't see them, that sonic boom would be hard to miss).
Lars
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Prepare for the eclipse before you go. The eclipse will last about three hours from when the moon first begins to occult the sun to when the moon moves away from it.
If you're going to be hardcore about where you're planning to watch the eclipse, meaning far from city lights, check Google Earth to see what's around the area where you'll be. Know what the location is, meaning nearest road intersections in case you need emergency help. Write it down on a piece of paper. If you are far from home, in the event of an emergency you may experience a little panic and could forget where you're located.
Don't forget your solar glasses to wear before and after totality. You don't need them during the short time of totality. It will certainly ruin your trip if you forget those!
If you'll be parked somewhere, I'd avoid leaving the car battery on to run the radio, stereo, etc. You don't want a dead battery and be unable start the car when you are ready to leave. If you run the motor, that's fine, but make sure you have enough gas in the vehicle to do this, so fill up beforehand.
Remember the eclipse event lasts about three hours. Make sure to bring food, drinks (non-alcoholic) and water. You may want to include a first aid kit, sunscreen and mosquito repellent just in case. Also it will cool down (even in partial eclipses it does this), so have a jacket, sweater or blanket handy. Finally, you don't want to have to take care of personal business at the wrong time, and there may not be facilities nearby either. To avoid a problem, I'd suggest wearing something like depends.
Login to Like
this post
Using simple items you probably have lying around your home, you can make a very simple pinhole "camera" to view the sun and the eclipse. I have done this in the past. You won't need solar glasses to use these items since you won't be looking directly at the sun.
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera/
If you want to get more creative, you can make a box or tube pin hole projector still using common items probably lying around your home:
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/box-pinhole-projector.html
With both of these items, if you are going to be away from home to view the eclipse, bring some spare tape, aluminum foil (maybe using mylar like from a potato chip bag will be better since mylar is stronger than aluminum foil and it doesn't crinkle easily), scissors and pin, thumb tack or paperclip just in case you need to make repairs to the viewer!
Also, test your viewer before the eclipse so you can learn how to use it. No time to learn out in the field!
Login to Like
this post
Also, when planning for the big day, if you live in or near the band, or have close friends you are going to visit, consider a philatelic souvenir! I have a poster (free with an order of 25 glasses) that I plan to take to the local post office in the morning (if they are open - I haven't checked yet) and get a handback cancel of the eclipse stamp adhered to the poster. Then I will have the poster at the event and invite those visiting to sign the poster, and then frame it. I also plan to have 20 blank envelopes and 20 eclipse stamps available for anyone that wants a handback cancel on a blank envelope with eclipse stamp or a hand cancel on an addressed envelope to go into the mailstream. I will make a run to the P.O. right after C4.
Login to Like
this post
I'm reading that South Carolina is the probably the most southern latititude for the "full effect". What do you think we can expect to experience in North Florida?
Login to Like
this post
Ernie, use the link below. Just enter the ZIP Code for any town, and you'll see what percentage of totality that location will see, and the times of the event. Jacksonville is very close to the path of totality and will see 92% of the sun covered. Scroll down, and you'll see other interesting things on the page.
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16019892/solar-eclipse-2017-interactive-map
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
94.1% here, but only 121 miles northeast for totality.
I don't know, giving up 5.9% of totality to have a slice of pizza and cold beer while sitting on my own deck with a bathroom just a few feet away, is sounding a whole lot better then sitting in a hot car out in the middle of nowhere while wearing a pair of "Depends".
So far the long range forecast is calling for sunny skies.
WB 
Login to Like
this post
Go for 100% totality. I can't emphasise this enough. Five per cent of sunlight is still relatively bright. The experience of totality is phenomenal. If you have to photograph what is happening, set your camera up beforehand so that you can experience the event without being distracted. You won't regret it.
Login to Like
this post
Here is the extended weather forecast for August 21, 2017, for cities with totality duration of at least 2 minutes as of August 4, 2017. Towns with a change in weather forecast from the previous list are indicated with an "*".
Columbia, SC = cloudy with thunderstorms
Greenville, SC = cloudy with thunderstorms
Clayton, GA = cloudy with afternoon showers
Franklin, NC = cloudy with rain
Hopkinsville, KY = cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms
* Carbondale, IL = sunny with scattered afternoon thunderstorms
St. Genevieve, MO = mostly sunny
Columbia, MO (65201) = sunny
St. Joseph, MO (64501) = sunny
Atchison, KS (66002) = sunny
Grand Island, NE = mostly sunny
Alliance, NE = cloudy
Casper, WY = mostly cloudy
Jackson, WY = sunny
Rexburg, ID = sunny
Weiser, ID = sunny
Madras, OR = sunny
Use the link below to find the local time for when the eclipse will occur. You just need to look up the ZIP Code for the towns, unless I have entered them in the list above:
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16019892/solar-eclipse-2017-interactive-map
Future updates will be provided if the weather forecast changes.
Login to Like
this post
Interesting stamps
While stored in the black envelope the sheet of stamps show black (as during the eclipse) but when exposed to the light the earth is visible. The same was true of the single example in my collection Black when I opened the page and immediately turned to an image.
I too thought the stamps were heat activated but no tis the light or lack there of
Login to Like
this post
No, it's definitely HEAT applied from the back that triggers the reaction. I have a pane in the black envelope and one out of the envelope.
Login to Like
this post
"I don't know, giving up 5.9% of totality to have a slice of pizza and cold beer while sitting on my own deck with a bathroom just a few feet away, is sounding a whole lot better then sitting in a hot car out in the middle of nowhere while wearing a pair of "Depends"."
You're not giving up 5.9% of totality. You're giving up totality. Apollo 10 almost landed on the moon. But they didn't. Totality is a unique experience. 99% of totality is 100% NOT totality. This is a VERY rare event and for you to be so close and not find a place to observe totality would be a shame.
Don't let Michael's comment about "Depends" deter you. Find the closest place to drive to and check with that town for public places to view. Ask about parking and facilities. Ask about private viewing locations. There may be a restaurant that offers parking, toilets, water, and snacks for a modest fee.
Login to Like
this post
Ahhh...but if I go to a concert and don't make it up on stage with the band, I still have a lot of fun! It's still an event and I even paid money to get in the door.
Besides, you left off the smiling emoticon at the end of the quote.(just a joke HaHa) Of course I'm gonna make the 2 hour drive north to get to the main event, I have people up that way. But even if I wasn't going, I'd still have fun and it would still be an event.
Hope everyone makes the most of the eclipse, regardless of where you are.
WB
Login to Like
this post
Wow! How to parse that!
"Ahhh...but if I go to a concert and don't make it up on stage with the band, I still have a lot of fun! It's still an event and I even paid money to get in the door."
That's not a very good analogy. If you aren't in totality, you're not in the back row at the concert, you're not in the venue at all.
"Besides, you left off the smiling emoticon at the end of the quote."
Depending on emoticons to substantially change the meaning of your words is risky.
"Of course I'm gonna make the 2 hour drive north to get to the main event, I have people up that way."
OK, lucky for you, but then why even make the comment about viewing 95% totality from the comfort of your deck? I really don't understand the point of typing gibberish.
Lars
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
For me, Plan A is to go to Kentucky at 840 miles.
Plan B is to go to Kansas at 700 miles.
Plan A doesn't look so good weather-wise, but if things change, we'll be staying with friends. Plan B looks great, but no friends. The spot I picked out to observe is outside of urban areas so I can get a good sky view. So, if it turns out to be Plan B, I'll have Depends with me.
Login to Like
this post
$7 glasses at Lowes!
Login to Like
this post
Both Lars and I got solar glasses, and posted about them. Scroll up to our posts from around June 25. Time is running out to get solar glasses through the mail. You might try a hardware store for welder's glass, or build a viewing projector. I provided a couple of links to that a couple of days ago.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
All of a sudden I'm interested in this! Once in a lifetime event...actually a couple of lifetimes
Login to Like
this post
"I really don't understand the point of typing gibberish."
Ok, my most humble apologies.
WB
Login to Like
this post
Here is the extended weather forecast for August 21, 2017, for cities with totality duration of at least 2 minutes as of August 5, 2017. Towns with a change in weather forecast from the previous list are indicated with an "*".
Note that the projected weather forecast for almost all the towns has changed. For the eastern US, for the better. For the far west US, not so. Of course it's still 16 days away, so things could change some more before then.
* Columbia, SC = partly sunny
* Greenville, SC (29601) = partly sunny
* Clayton, GA = partly sunny
* Franklin, NC (28734) = partly sunny
* Hopkinsville, KY = mostly sunny
* Carbondale, IL = mostly sunny
* St. Genevieve, MO = partly sunny
Columbia, MO (65201) = sunny
St. Joseph, MO (64501) = sunny
Atchison, KS (66002) = sunny
* Grand Island, NE = sunny
* Alliance, NE = afternoon showers
* Casper, WY = sunny
* Jackson, WY = mostly sunny
* Rexburg, ID = mostly sunny
* Weiser, ID = mostly sunny
* Madras, OR = partly sunny with showers
Future updates will be provided if the weather forecast changes.
Login to Like
this post
I never have put a lot of faith in weather forecasts more than 5 days out. At 5 days out you can have some faith into it, especially if the forecast is for the high pressure system to stay in place, like a long Texas summer. I start planning at 5 days out. I make decisions with 48 hours to go. I am on the path in Western Kentucky if anyone has to make a last minute change of plans.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
I will decide on the 17th where I'll be going to view the event. I'm still hoping for Kentucky.
Login to Like
this post
Michael,
I hope Kentucky has sunny skies!
Karen (kajones) lives in Princeton, so hopefully the 3 of us can meet somewhere in the vicinity after the event. If you do, in fact, settle on our neck of the woods let us know how long you will be here after. I am off all day, but have to be back at work in Paducah at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Of course if our forecast is bad, I, too, will be looking at a different venue!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
I'd like to get together, but it probably won't work out. If I go to Kentucky, my wife will be going with me. A friend of hers who used to live near us lives where we'll be going to view the eclipse and has invited us to stay with her and her family on their farm.
Login to Like
this post
I didn't mean during the eclipse, but possibly on your way in or your way back, but I just looked up Woodburn and you will probably take I-40 to Nashville and then up. If you were coming in on I-24 we would be "just down the road", but Nashville is about 2 hours for me.
Oh, well.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
Here's a link to the Washington Post web site. It contains projected weather forecast and some interesting videos.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/08/07/an-early-total-solar-eclipse-weather-forecast-as-of-aug-7-2017/
Login to Like
this post
Here is the extended weather forecast for August 21, 2017, for cities with totality duration of at least 2 minutes as of August 9, 2017. Towns with a change in weather forecast from the previous list are indicated with an "*".
Today, all the towns in the list have seen changes in their forecast. Some improved, some not. It's still 12 days away, so things could change some more before then.
* Columbia, SC = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Greenville, SC (29601) = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Clayton, GA = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Franklin, NC (28734) = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Hopkinsville, KY = considerable clouds
* Carbondale, IL = cloudy with possible thunderstorms
* St. Genevieve, MO = mostly cloudy with possible thunderstorms
* Columbia, MO (65201) = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Atchison, KS (66002) = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Grand Island, NE = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Alliance, NE = sunny with afternoon showers
* Casper, WY = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Jackson, WY = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Rexburg, ID = sunny
* Weiser, ID = sunny
* Madras, OR = sunny
Future updates will be provided if the weather forecast changes.
Login to Like
this post
I'm midway between Ste. Genevieve, MO (mostly cloudy) and Columbia, MO (mostly sunny). Everything west is either mostly sunny or sunny, while those immediately east are either partly cloudy or cloudy. Looks like the boundary of a front is predicted to be somewhere between Columbia and Ste. Gen and Union has a 50-50 chance at sunny versus cloudy. Any ideas on how to get a weather front to move faster?
Login to Like
this post
I saw a Weather Channel predictive forecast this morning for the eclipse path. They are starting to say that the weather forecast models are getting to the area where they are a bit more valid. There was plenty of rain in the forecast for the eastern half of the US. Still, it is far enough away that the forecasts can, and probably will, change. At this time next week, the forecasts should have a much higher degree of being correct.
Login to Like
this post
Most weather predictions beyond 5 days are nonsense. 4-5 days you get a hint, nothing more. 3 days out you can make plans. 2 days out you may decide to change plans. 1 day out you just hope you planned wisely since forecasts withing 24 hours are pretty darn accurate.
You are seriously wasting time and effort with "forecasts" this far out. It would be far better to spend that time investigating locations 300 miles either direction of where you plan to go. You would do just as well to pick up "Poor Richard's Almanac" and find out what the forecast is for that day.
Don't believe me. Just Google "how accurate are weather forecasts 10 days".
This isn't belief. It's science. i.e. Reality.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
Yes, I know.
Wasting time and effort? I'm retired. It doesn't take that long to do, and I do it when I take a break from my other time wasting activities. It's nice when every day is Saturday!
I do have three locations already spotted. I'll decide on the 17th if Kentucky is out, because my wife and I have to leave on the 19th to get there on time. I can wait until the 19th for my other two locations. I'll leave by myself on the evening of the 20th to get to either of those.
Login to Like
this post
One additional point that may be lost on some, we're talking about a weather forecast for a specific time of day! That's more specific than a general forecast. Even something like "afternoon clouds" seems innocuous in most cases but could carry great weight on Aug 21. Would those be early afternoon or late afternoon clouds?
My advice:
Wait for 5 days out to check the weather.
Wait for 3 days out to consider changing plans.
Make a decision 1 day out and hope for the best.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
"Yes, I know."
I'm happy to learn that!
"Wasting time and effort? I'm retired."
I wasn't talking about YOU wasting time and effort (you're free to waste your time however you wish), I was talking about the people that responded to your posts. They may not be retired and have better things to do with their time than concern themselves with fantasy masquerading as reality.
So bottom line, you know what you are saying is (MOD - profanity deleted), but because you're retired you don't care? Interesting.
(Modified by Moderator on 2017-08-18 02:13:42)
Login to Like
this post
LOL, Kentucky moonshine!
If you live a two day drive away, you can't wait until the next to last day to decide where to go. Also, for those who haven't picked a spot to go, and will need a hotel, well, you better hurry up. Hotels along the path of totality are just about booked out, and have been that way for some time.
My plans are to avoid the larger cities and the traffic jams caused by the huge influx of people to those locations. Many smaller towns are holding special events for the eclipse as well, and are anticipating large crowds. There is a web site that is compiling a list of the cities and towns and providing information about the events. I thought I had it book marked, but I couldn't find it.
I'm just sharing my research and what I find that may be of interest to anyone wanting information about the eclipse. It's still a little too early for the hourly forecasts for August 21. Those will available starting tomorrow. So, I do care. It's supposed to be a fun event. Lighten up. Take the information as you will, or don't take it. That part is up to you.
Incidentally, your town in Kentucky for August 21 is currently showing mostly cloudy with possible thunderstorms. Today, the ten day forecast only goes to August 20, which for that day shows around a 50% chance of thunderstorms from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Totality for your location on August 21 is around 1:20 PM.
The projected forecasts that I have been posting are from Accuweather and are based on historical averages, and current weather trends, including the tropics where there currently are two Atlantic and one Pacific storms.
Login to Like
this post
"One additional point that may be lost on some, we're talking about a weather forecast for a specific time of day!"
Explain that to my wife. It will start raining at 11:30 and she'll yell, "Hey they said 12:00!" It's an estimate... a prediction! Half hour window is close enough
Login to Like
this post
I use the hourly forecasts every week to help me decide whether I will go to the flea market. I find that the hourly forecasts are a necessity. You do have to slide that hourly forecast about a half hour in each direction. I certainly don't want all that I'm selling to get drenched in rain!
Login to Like
this post
"If you live a two day drive away, you can't wait until the next to last day to decide where to go. Also, for those who haven't picked a spot to go, and will need a hotel, well, you better hurry up."
Absolutely! Those driving from that far should have long ago made reservations at the half-way location and picked a primary and secondary location. I would expect that Michael, coming up from Hill Country, has a reservation somewhere near Little Rock and with a primary destination of Kentucky has wisely chosen a backup in the Kansas area.
"Hotels along the path of totality are just about booked out, and have been that way for some time."
I doubt there is anything left on or near the path. If you have to abandon plan A, Michael's "Depends" suggestion isn't that far-fetched!
"My plans are to avoid the larger cities and the traffic jams caused by the huge influx of people to those locations. Many smaller towns are holding special events for the eclipse as well, and are anticipating large crowds."
That is wise in general, but ESPECIALLY when making last minute changes to plans!
I totally agree with almost everything you say. Where we part ways is the usefulness of long term forecasts, especially for a 2 minute event on a particular day. I used historical forecasts to plan what to pack for a trip to Europe. I didn't know WHICH days it would rain, but I had a good idea how many rain days I would have to deal with and what kind of clothes to pack.
10 days out the forecast is still fairly useless, but if your planned location shows thunderstorms the day before, the day of, and the day after, you might want to start doing some research. Other than that, it's mostly a waste of time. That is the nature of weather predictions and well established as fact. Google it.
5 days out if there are 3 days of storms bracketing the event, I would actually change plans, especially if coming from far away. 3 days out the forecast is fairly accurate, but it may matter WHEN those afternoon thunderstorms are going to form, and Michael is right that hourly forecasts are VERY useful, but they aren't very reliable for our purposes less than 24 hours out. Even so, the hourly forecasts from the night before may cause me to drive an hour or two into Missouri or an hour or two into Tennessee for a better chance. The eclipse travels at close to 1600 m.p.h. over Kentucky, but weather typically moves West to East at about 60 m.p.h.
I agree with just about everything Michael has posted on the eclipse, and I appreciate his links and other info. I just disagree with the presentation of weather forecast data. I contend it's meaningless as presented. Now that we are 10 days out, the forecasts have SOME meaning, and if there are locations with forecasts of sunny skies for the day of, before, and after, that would be very useful. Conversely, if rain is forecast for 3 days for your plan A viewing area, it's time to look at plan B. Otherwise a forecast for a particular day doesn't have much significance until 5 days out. That's not my opinion. That is the science behind forecasting. Google it.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
Lars, you're right. I have a hotel booked in Little Rock for the 19th, and will be at the farm in Kentucky on the 20th, if the weather holds for the area.
Plan "B" is a spot in Kansas north of Atchison.
Plan "C" is a spot in Nebraska north of Geneva.
Plan "A" is over 100 miles longer than the other two plans. Plan "B" is the shortest distance. Plan "C" is a slightly longer drive (30 miles), but it is an almost direct straight line north from where I live. After Wichita, I wouldn't have any more large cities to mess with, so I favor Plan "C" over "B".
With "B" and "C" I will get an added 34 seconds to totality over my location in Kentucky, but having a place to stay and mess with model trains makes Kentucky nicer. No Depends needed either!
Login to Like
this post
Michael,
Now that's a man with a plan!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
I'm in Omaha and we are expecting about 80-90% totality here.
Finding glasses to view this is very difficult. Every outlet is out of them. I ordered two pairs from an Ebay vendor in CO Wednesday evening, per Ebay notice they will arrive 8-19! That is cutting it close. I think there is a lot of scamming on this on Ebay just now, I see listings for what look like cheap glasses for over $100 per pair. We will probably just see it from our yard.
Login to Like
this post
Lars and I posted weeks ago how to get the glasses for little or no money.
CBS news reported last night that fake solar glasses are now being sold. Be very careful. Any glasses you obtain must be ISO certified for solar viewing. Many local libraries are giving away solar glasses by the millions. Check with yours to see if they have any.
Test any solar glasses that you get every time before you view the sun. If they have a mylar-like material across the eye holes (whatever they are called) hold them up to a light. If you see even a pinhole of light coming through, destroy and discard them. Try them on inside. If you can see anything, they are not solar glasses. You should see absolutely nothing. Go outside, and look about, but not at the sun. If you can see anything, they are not solar glasses. Destroy and discard them. When you do look at the sun, and you do not need an eclipse for this, you should see the sun as an orange ball surrounded by a black field. If your eyes start to burn, look away. The glasses may not be solar glasses.
You can also try hardware store to see if they have any welding glass. That is safe to look through as well.
Login to Like
this post
"We will probably just see it from our yard"
That is a real shame. 90% totality isn't 90% as good as totality. Totality is a completely unique experience that is once-in-a-lifetime for most people. I hope you are able to find a spot in totality.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
In Omaha, you will see 98.2% totality. Still, as Lars said, it's not totality.
For you to see the total eclipse, you just have to drive 40 miles to the south west of Omaha.
If you drive to Lincoln, totality will last 1 min 18 sec. If you go further south to Princeton(Interstate 80 west to US Highway 77 south), totality will last for 2 min 23 sec.
Afterwards, you can take US Highway 77 all the way south to Mexico!
Login to Like
this post
Eight days to go. I know this that no matter where I wind up, it will be nice to get out of the 100 degree heat for a few days!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Lars, don't read this post.
Here is the overall extended weather forecast as of August 13, 2017, for eclipse day, for several cities with a total eclipse duration of at least 2 minutes. Towns with a change in weather forecast from the previous list are indicated with an "*".
The eclipse is 8 days away (August 21, 2017), so the weather forecast could change some before then. The forecasts will begin to get more reliable as this week progresses.
Columbia, SC = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
Clayton, GA = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Hopkinsville, KY = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Carbondale, IL = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* St. Genevieve, MO = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Columbia, MO (65201) = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Atchison, KS (66002) = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Grand Island, NE = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Alliance, NE = sunny sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
Casper, WY = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
Jackson, WY = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
Rexburg, ID = sunny
* Weiser, ID = partly sunny
* Madras, OR = partly sunny
Tomorrow, I will start posting the forecast for the towns above that relates to the time of the eclipse. For example, if I did this today, the forecast for Columbia, SC, would show mostly sunny with a 40% chance for a thunderstorm during the time of the eclipse. These are the nagging, unpredictable pop-up thunderstorms that occur during the summer.
Login to Like
this post
I read the post, but with my eclipse glasses on.
Login to Like
this post
"CBS news reported last night that fake solar glasses are now being sold. Be very careful. Any glasses you obtain must be ISO certified for solar viewing. Many local libraries are giving away solar glasses by the millions. Check with yours to see if they have any."
I've been hearing about that around here. This is REALLY important!
See Michael's post 12-Aug-17 at 10:35 a.m.
It would be a shame to be very careful over the years with shortwave UV lamps checking tagging and then throw it all away with a bogus pair of eclipse glasses!
Login to Like
this post
7 Days to Go!
August 14, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included.
The forecasts are for the time period during the eclipse.
Columbia, SC (29201) = partly cloudy with a 50% chance for a thunderstorm
Greenville, SC (29601) = sunny with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
Clayton, GA (30525) = sunny to mostly cloudy with a 25% chance for rain
Franklin, NC (28734) = partly cloudy with a 25% for rain
Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = sunny
Carbondale, IL (62901) = sunny
Columbia, MO (65201) = partly cloudy
St. Joseph, MO (64501) = partly cloudy with a 25% chance for a thunderstorm
Atchison, KS (66002) = partly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
Grand Island, NE (68801) = sunny
Alliance, NE (69301) = partly cloudy
Casper, WY (82601) = sunny
Jackson, WY (83001) = sunny
Rexburg, ID (83440) = partly cloudy
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
Login to Like
this post
Information about the counterfeit solar glasses, and information if you bought yours from Amazon.
Counterfeit Solar Glasses
Login to Like
this post
Michael,
I live in Hendersonville NC (28739) which is very close to Greenville and Franklin in your list. The forecast is looking very poor now, 70% of rain by 2PM.
And since weather seems to follow a pattern... the last few weeks have been particularly overcast and rainy here. This is the mountains and afternoon thunderstorms are common with the convection thermals in the summer.
Don
Login to Like
this post
Yes, I see that, but it has dropped down to 50% during the eclipse time. See how quickly things change this far out? By Thursday we have a better idea how the weather will be.
If you live close to those other two towns, just keep an eye on the weather for them, and your town. You can always pick one to go to, or go nearby if the towns are going to be filled with throngs of people, and you don't want to be smothered.
Login to Like
this post
My glasses arrived in today's mail, they appear OK, have the correct code on them. Put them on indoors and it's like wearing a blindfold. One odd wrinkle, they were mailed in a padded envelope, slightly larger than a standard one, sender used one forever stamp. I got charged $2.18 postage due.
Local news tonight featured people who got ripped off buying glasses on line, getting what look like just sunglasses. I cannot fathom anyone intentionally sticking people with something that could affect eyesight just to make a couple of bucks.
Login to Like
this post
"By Thursday we have a better idea how the weather will be."
True, and I wouldn't definitely change plans before seeing the 72 hour forecast, but tomorrow we will be able to see the hourly forecasts for sky cover from the National Weather Service. Although they are still limited in value, I plan to see how they evolve for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday as the week progresses to see if there is a system that might stall or a system that may arrive ahead of time.
Local weather forecasts are less accurate because they intentionally fudge the numbers. They do that because most of their viewers are statistically illiterate and if they say 20% chance of rain and you plan an outdoor wedding anyway, and it rains, the perception is that the forecast is wrong, even if it didn't rain the last 4 times they said 20% chance.
Login to Like
this post
I used Accuweather for the long-term forecasts that I provided up until today. Today I switched over to Weather Underground (a subsidiary of The Weather Company - Weather Channel). Here is a link that describes the difference in forecasting between Weather Underground's system they call "BestForecast" and the National Weather Service:
https://www.wunderground.com/about/data#differences
Login to Like
this post
Exactly. WeatherUnderground and the WeatherChannel are for-profits that care more about ratings than accuracy in their forecasts so they factor in the statistical ignorance of their viewers in their forecasts. That makes perfect sense from a business standpoint, but I'm not statistically illiterate so I prefer the real numbers without any fudge.
Personally, I LOVE the WeatherChannel RADAR for viewing local storms. Better than the National Weather Service or my local media outlets. But for no-nonsense forecasts, it's hard to beat the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service doesn't provide detailed forecasts beyond 7 days since they are statistically nonsense, and even the forecasts more than 72 hours out should be taken as advisories. There is no reason to start celebrating or panicking until Friday, unless a tropical storm is spinning up toward South Carolina. That's a weather pattern that is reasonably predictable more than 72 hours in advance (sometimes).
The most important factor is Sky Cover % for the time of totality. You can start viewing those forecasts for your zip code tomorrow at the National Weather Service web site, but this far out they really mean very little. I'm looking for trends more than anything, but the 72 / 48 / 24 hour forecasts are decision points for me.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
With Weather Underground, you can use either their forecast or switch over to the NWS. Click on the gear wheel at the top right of the screen, and you can click on whichever forecast you want.
Login to Like
this post
6 Days to Go!
August 15, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included. Changes in forecast since yesterday are indicated with an "*" next to the city name.
The forecasts are for the time period during the eclipse.
* Columbia, SC (29201) = partly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
* Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly cloudy with a 50% chance for a thunderstorm
* Clayton, GA (30525) = mostly cloudy with a 50% chance for a thunderstorm
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly cloudy with a 35% for a thunderstorm
* Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = partly cloudy with a 15% chance for rain
Carbondale, IL (62901) = sunny
* Columbia, MO (65201) = sunny
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = sunny
* Atchison, KS (66002) = sunny
* Grand Island, NE (68801) = partly cloudy
* Alliance, NE (69301) = partly cloudy with 25% chance for rain
* Casper, WY (82601) = partly cloudy
Jackson, WY (83001) = sunny
* Rexburg, ID (83440) = sunny
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
Login to Like
this post
I just noticed that the forecasts I posted above are from the National Weather Service. I didn't change it back to the Weather Channel forecast yesterday. To keep it consistent, I'll use the NWS forecasts for the remainder of my forecast posts. (This is Lars' fault!)
Login to Like
this post
Latest weather reports show good news for Union, MO. Looks like sunny for 8/21. However, I have gone to bed after the 10:00 weather forecast was "little or no accumulation,"only to wake up the next morning to 6" of fresh snow in the driveway, so I'm still a bit skeptical.
Union has a population of just over 10,000. Local pundits are saying Union will see 10,000 to 30,000 visitors on 8/21. That brings up two questions:
1. How did they get those numbers? I'm pretty sure none of the experts were around in 1442 AD, the last time a full eclipse came through here, so they're not basing them on past experience.
2. Assuming the estimates are correct and using the midpoint projection, where do you put 20,000 +/- visitors? The single motel in town can handle 150-200 tops, and say another 800 are going to stay with friends/relatives. so 19,000 will be coming in that morning and leaving that afternoon. Figuring a very liberal four to a vehicle, that's 4750 extra cars coming into town. Maybe the influx will be spread out over several hours, but at 1:18:13 PM (end of totality) and 2:43:16 (end of partial), there are going to be mad rushes for the exits - all of which are two-lane roads. I don't think 'gridlock' would begin to describe that result.
At any rate, planning is complete on this end and prep is under way. We have a deck with an open view to the action. Extra chairs have been moved up from the lower deck and all furniture arranged to face sunward. The grill is checked out and ready. The weekend shopping list is done - brats, buns, and beer head the list. Enough eclipse glasses for everyone and expected guests (plus 2 pair) are on hand.
Login to Like
this post
You can now view the National Weather Service hourly sky cover forecasts for the eclipse for your selected area (where you live or where you plan to go). They are fairly useless now, but as the days progress you can see if there is any positive or negative trending.
Go to www.weather.gov
Select your location
Click on the graph on right near bottom that says "Hourly Weather Forecast"
In the drop-down box "48-hour Period Starting" select eclipse hour the day before (so you have a 24-hour window before and 24-hour window after to watch for events that may be heading toward the event in your area). For me eclipse hour the day before is Sunday at 1 p.m. but as of this writing the latest time I can select is 8 a.m. Sunday, so I go with that for now.
Click the "Submit" button.
Sky cover is the blue line in the 3rd graph down. You can uncheck any boxes at top to de-clutter the graphs (like heat index, dew point, and humidity).
If you click on the graph it will change to tabular data.
It's still VERY unreliable data, but we are rapidly getting to the point where this data will have some meaningful predictive value. If things look dicey 5 days out (tomorrow), I would not panic, but would start looking at a backup plan, especially if the forecast is crap the entire time. If things are still dicey 3 days out you probably need to consider a change in plans if you are coming in from far away. I'm on the path of totality, so I will hang in there and wait for the forecast that comes out on Saturday to decide.
Here's wishing blue skies for everyone!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
Dollhaus,
"How did they get those numbers?"
Projections based on ... OK, they seriously just pulled those numbers out of a dark place. We called that a SWAG: "Scientific Wild Assed Guess".
"I don't think 'gridlock' would begin to describe that result."
Indeed! Anyone in or near the path of totality should start taking precautions immediately:
Stock up on soup, water, medicine, etc. Assume you will be unable to get to the store or the shelves will be empty starting Friday. Lay in provisions to last until Wednesday. Fill your vehicles with gas. If you have pressing medical needs, check with your doctor. Have a back-up plan (e.g. pregnant woman in path of totality with due date near Aug 21).
I plan to be hospitable to those in need, but there may be opportunists that take advantage of the chaos and thinly stretched law enforcement resources. Although I have a carry permit, I don't carry very often. I will definitely be carrying Saturday to Wednesday!
Check with your neighbors. Will they be there? Will they be gone? Do they have any potential emergency needs?
I plan to treat this like a major Ice Storm without the loss of power. Or the need to spend all day in sub-freezing temperatures with a chain saw helping out neighbors! But with a LOT of strangers I have NO IDEA what kind of upbringing they had, roaming my community.
Be vigilant. Be friendly. Be safe. Have fun. Enjoy the Show!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
5 Days to Go!
August 16, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included. Changes in forecast since yesterday are indicated with an "*" next to the city name.
The forecasts are from the National Weather Service and cover the time period for the eclipse.
* Columbia, SC (29201) = partly cloudy with a 35% chance for a thunderstorm
* Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly cloudy with a 35% chance for a thunderstorm
* Clayton, GA (30525) = mostly cloudy with a 35% chance for a thunderstorm
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly cloudy with a 30% chance for rain
* Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = mostly cloudy changing to partly cloudy with a 20% chance for rain
* Carbondale, IL (62901) = partly cloudy changing to sunny
* Columbia, MO (65201) = partly cloudy changing to mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = mostly cloudy changing to partly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
* Atchison, KS (66002) = mostly cloudy changing to partly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
* Grand Island, NE (68801) = partly cloudy with a 10% chance for a thunderstorm
* Alliance, NE (69301) = partly cloudy changing to mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
* Casper, WY (82601) = partly cloudy with a 10% chance for rain
* Jackson, WY (83001) = partly cloudy with a 10% chance for rain
* Rexburg, ID (83440) = partly cloudy with a 10% chance for rain
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
Login to Like
this post
4 Days to Go!
August 17, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included. Changes in forecast since yesterday are indicated with an "*" next to the city name.
The forecasts are from the National Weather Service and cover the time period for the eclipse. Weather Channel forecasts may differ slightly.
* Columbia, SC (29201) = partly sunny; 35% chance of precipitation
* Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly sunny; 30% chance of precipitation
* Clayton, GA (30525) = mostly sunny; 35% chance of precipitation
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly sunny; 25% chance of precipitation
* Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = partly sunny; 20% chance of precipitation
* Carbondale, IL (62901) = partly cloudy; 15% chance of precipitation
* Columbia, MO (65201) = partly cloudy; 15% chance of precipitation
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = partly sunny; 20% chance of precipitation
* Atchison, KS (66002) = partly cloudy; 20% chance of precipitation
* Grand Island, NE (68801) = partly cloudy; 15% chance of precipitation
* Alliance, NE (69301) = partly cloudy; 15% chance of precipitation
* Casper, WY (82601) = partly cloudy
* Jackson, WY (83001) = partly cloudy; 5% chance of precipitation
Rexburg, ID (83440) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
The NWS forecast changes from yesterday are mostly improvements with less clouds, more sun and a drop in the chance for precipitation.
Login to Like
this post
My odds went up a bit. Being on the totality path midway between Columbia, MO and Carbondale, IL, I have partly cloudy on both sides and chance of rain 15% on both sides - sounds like that's my best guess forecast for now.
Login to Like
this post
Tomorrow is when the forecasts actually have some predictive value. Notice how the long-term forecasts change every day. That's because they are unreliable. These days the 72-hour forecast is your first look at what to expect and the 48-hour forecast is generally not far from accurate. If the forecast tomorrow for where you are or where you are going on Monday is bad, start plan B. If it's still bad Saturday, execute plan B.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
I will give a forecast update on the 18th, and I will try to do so on the 19th. I will be leaving to go to the path of totality on the 19th, so you'll have to watch the weather on your own unless someone wants to update it for me. I won't have internet access.
Login to Like
this post
If you want to get a daily forecast, including a cloud cover map, do an internet search for "eclipse weather".
When I do so, I get a couple of "Top Stories" boxes. Select the one from The Washington Post for the most recent day. It is usually the one on the left. It doesn't do any good to bookmark the page, because they post a new one with a different URL every day.
Login to Like
this post
3 Days to Go!
August 18, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included. Changes in forecast since yesterday are indicated with an "*" next to the city name.
The forecasts are from the National Weather Service and cover the time period for the eclipse. Weather Channel forecasts may differ slightly.
* Columbia, SC (29201) = partly cloudy; 30% chance of precipitation
Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly sunny; 30% chance of precipitation
* Clayton, GA (30525) = mostly sunny; 30% chance of precipitation
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly sunny; 20% chance of precipitation
* Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
* Carbondale, IL (62901) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Columbia, MO (65201) = partly cloudy; 15% chance of precipitation
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = partly sunny; 25% chance of precipitation
* Atchison, KS (66002) = partly sunny; 25% chance of precipitation
* Grand Island, NE (68801) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
* Alliance, NE (69301) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Casper, WY (82601) = partly cloudy
* Jackson, WY (83001) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Rexburg, ID (83440) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
Very little change to the forecasts. Most of the changes are again slight changes in percentages for chance of precipitation. Most of that is for the better. Cloud cover remains about the same.
Login to Like
this post
I wont be joining the fun group to see the totality, so maybe someone might be willing to post a pic or two. Down here in SE Fla, we will be experiencing 80.2% of the eclipse. No glasses for this family. Will do what I did back in the day ... paper with a pin hole to look at the eclipse backward. Or just wait for the PBS show that evening.
I do have my stamp sheets in their black envelopes stored away. This is a wonderful event and I hope all of you have the best trip with perfect weather. I'm told the next one will be in 2024. I'll be around, but will I be able to get to it?
And our weather may or may not be good. I'll cross my fingers and hope we have somewhat of a clear sky at 1:25PM.
Stay safe if you are traveling the path.
Login to Like
this post
2 Days to Go!
August 19, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included. Changes in forecast since yesterday are indicated with an "*" next to the city name.
The forecasts are from the National Weather Service and cover the time period for the eclipse. Weather Channel forecasts may differ slightly.
This is the last forecast that I'll provide.
* Columbia, SC (29201) = partly sunny; 30% chance of precipitation
* Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly sunny; 15% chance of precipitation
* Clayton, GA (30525) = mostly sunny; 15% chance of precipitation
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly sunny; 15% chance of precipitation
* Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = sunny; 5% chance of precipitation
Carbondale, IL (62901) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
* Columbia, MO (65201) = partly sunny; 25% chance of precipitation
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = partly sunny; 35% chance of precipitation
* Atchison, KS (66002) = partly sunny; 40% chance of precipitation
Grand Island, NE (68801) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
* Alliance, NE (69301) = partly sunny; 25% chance of precipitation
* Casper, WY (82601) = mostly sunny; 15% chance of precipitation
Jackson, WY (83001) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Rexburg, ID (83440) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
Login to Like
this post
With the weather, some areas are going to be hot and humid. Make sure you bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dress appropriately for your area. Bring a jacket or blanket. The temperature will drop. Bring a first aid kit if you are in a remote area.
Out west, some wildfires may cause viewing problems, and breathing issues for those sensitive to the smoke.
Wherever you may go to view the eclipse, stay safe and remain vigilant of your surroundings.
ENJOY THE ECLIPSE!!!
Login to Like
this post
I know this is late and I didn't read the entire thread but there are ZERO eclipse glasses available in our area. I should have been paying attention when you all started talking about this. All of that said, is there any way to use regular household items to create something that would protect your eyes for a very quick look? Just to say you saw the eclipse? Something other than the lame shoebox thingy? Thanks
Login to Like
this post
Go to a local welding supply and pick up a #11 welding lens. It will block 99.9% of UV-AB rays from the sun and should cost less then $10.
WB
Login to Like
this post
Luree - We're in a 60% totality area, and it's about 1000 miles to the closest 100% spot, so I'm mostly just expecting it to feel overcast here for a little while.
NASA, however, is helping us eclipse-poor folks with a lot of free broadcasts, including YouTube, Facebook, etc. (And NASA tv, if you have it on your cable or satellite roster.)
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-live-stream
Login to Like
this post
As luck would have it ... I may not be able to be outside to catch the event. I'm so bummed! We are having the kitchen counter replaced and of course they will be out on Monday somewhere around 1 ... GRRRRRR. I'll still run outside and catch some of it, but why then?
Thanks for the heads up about you tube and FB. Not sure we can get the NASA channel anymore. That would be totally awesome to have it running in the background while they do the measuring. I know PBS or Nova or one of those learning channels will be airing the eclipse in the evening. But I'd like to see it sort of while it's happening. If I can't get the NASA channel, maybe I can get it on the computer out there.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Luree, if those other options don't work out for you, then there's this:
(Warning: spoiler alert)
https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLiving/videos/1403410689754899/
Login to Like
this post
My advice when watching the total solar eclipse is this. Use the glasses up to a minute or two before totality. Remove the glasses. Obviously, don't look directly at the sun before or after totality but a quick glance with your peripheral vision will let you know the status of the eclipse. When totality occurs, you want to experience it without the glasses. The sudden darkness is something you'll never forget.
Login to Like
this post
Login to Like
this post
Report from on location in Union, MO in the totality zone:
Very few non-local vehicles seen in the area. No real impact seen on traffic.If the 'official' estimate of 10,000 to 30,000 visitors comes to pass, tomorrow morning will be interesting.
Several charter busses went through town in early PM. Union is on US 50, major route to Columbia, MO - largest city west of St Louis in the totality zone. That's the likely destination.
Small groups of bikers with knapsacks passed through, some stopping at local grocery stores. Grocery stores were hit hard Saturday and today in milk, eggs, bread, etc., just like a stock-up for a major winter storm.
All local motels, campgrounds, and RV parks are completely full.
Sky today was clear, but latest forecast is for partly cloudy with 15% chance of rain on Monday.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
On the scene report from Benton, KY. If there is going to be a major influx of people, they must be day trippers! The only visible sign thus far is the empty shelves when one would normally find Sundrop and Moon Pies. I kind you not!
BEAUTIFUL day today with a VERY good chance of the same tomorrow!
I never could get lined up on the sun with a telescope that has a solar filter. I may have to fashion a fixture with a cover and a straw that is parallel to the telescope barrel and adjust until I get a nice little dot of light on the ground.
Good luck to everybody tomorrow and even if clouds come your way, may there be a window open for the big event for you! If the forecast holds, I'm just hoping a stray cloud doesn't wander into the wrong patch of sky at 1:23 p.m. CDT.
Login to Like
this post
Just got these glasses so I'm all ready! 
Login to Like
this post
Big bust here in Jacksonville. You know Florida weather. the clouds rolled in literally about an hour before the event. Thats ok. I'm sure I'll see some great footage on tv tonight.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
05:41:31pm
The weather in the GTA was OK. We had some clouding over. I managed to catch the partial eclipse and got a grainy picture of it through my eclipse glasses with my cell phone.
This was taken at 2:12pm about 20 minutes before the max coverage here. Next up in 2024.
Alyn
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
We really got lucky in Western Kentucky! Zero cloud obstruction until about 5 minutes before C4, but if you're going to miss something, C4 is what you want to miss!
I will post a swap offer over on the swaps page.
Login to Like
this post
"San Jose, CA ... I rate it right up there with Geraldo and Al Capone's Vaults."
San Jose?!?!? You weren't even CLOSE to totality! A PARTIAL eclipse is neither rare nor impressive. It's like going to a concert and not getting within a mile of the building. You didn't see a Total Eclipse of the Sun from San Jose or anything close to it. What you saw was a big nothing burger BECAUSE YOU WERE IN THE WRONG PLACE!!! Your next chance is 2024, but that one comes up through Texas and heads out through Maine.
A Total Eclipse of the Sun is only special if you are on the path of totality, meaning you actually SEE a Total Eclipse of the Sun. What you saw was pedestrian.
Login to Like
this post
Nada here in Exton, PA. I was working from home today so I was sitting in my kitchen with a full wall of windows and skylights. It was cloudy / hazy and I never noticed it getting dark. Oh well, I wasn't big into this anyway.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Once again, Exton, PA????
You were nowhere CLOSE to the centerline!
It was a nothing burger because you were in the WRONG place!
We're talking about a TOTAL Eclipse of the Sun and you were hundreds of miles away complaining how boring it was! If you were not on the path of totality, today was a total non-event for anyone except children who have never even seen a partial eclipse.
For those of us in the path of totality who were lucky enough for the event to not be obscured by clouds, it was amazing. If you weren't there, you won't get it.
Login to Like
this post
We had clear skies and around 90 to 95% coverage It was in the upper 80's and cooled off fairly fast. The reduced light effect (weird glow) was the most interesting aspect to me. Do I have to see totality - not especially.
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
"It was a nothing burger because you were in the WRONG place! "
Wow, that's offensive.
I was in the "TOTALITY" zone and I'd have no trouble looking you in the eye and saying, "ehh...NO BIG DEAL"! It was an act of nature!!! You almost make it sound like you intentionally bought your house years ago, just so you could be inline with this event. So what, you walked out your backdoor and looked up? Wow, that's impressive! If anyone deserves kudos, it's those who actually put an effort into experiencing the eclipse. But even if they didn't or couldn't, who are you, or anyone else, to belittle others experience?! Or for that matter, put yourself at the top of the eclipse food chain?!
Through this entire thread you've made it sound like anyone who wasn't willing to quit their job and move somewhere into the path of totality, had no right to have an opinion, or to enjoy the event in whatever manner they saw fit.
The handle they gave this event was 'The Great American Eclipse of 2017', that means ALL of us!!
Quit being such a jerk!
WB
6 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
"I was in the "TOTALITY" zone and I'd have no trouble looking you in the eye and saying, "ehh...NO BIG DEAL"! It was an act of nature!!!"
If you were in totality and that is your opinion, it is just as valid as any other opinion. I was only talking about critiquing something without seeing it. Maybe I made an invalid assumption that we were talking about the total eclipse and not just any partial eclipse. Most of the discussion was about weather forecasts along totality, travel, lodging, photography, etc.
"If anyone deserves kudos, it's those who actually put an effort into experiencing the eclipse."
I agree with that! We hosted some folks that drove a long way. One family drove from Michigan! Our effort was more along the lines of providing food, drinks, and shelter, so yes, they put in A LOT more effort. But even though they did, nobody HAD to. There is nothing wrong with choosing to stay put and angore's observation was interesting. Alyn posted a nice photo of the partial he observed.
I'm surprised that the event would be hyped that much in San Jose, but I'm glad to hear Anglophile's kids were in Oregon and South Carolina and were able to see totality.
And no, future eclipses played no part in buying my house. Thanks for asking.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I do want to reply in a separate post to two of whitebuffalo's more caustic comments:
"who are you, or anyone else, to belittle others experience?! Or for that matter, put yourself at the top of the eclipse food chain?!"
I never intended to belittle anyone's personal experience or choice. If you were in totality and thought it was overrated, I appreciate you sharing your perspective. However, for someone that didn't make that journey to dismiss the experience of those of us that were fortunate enough to see totality as "right up there with Geraldo and Al Capone's Vaults", seems petty and offensive to me. Then we get the piling on of another uninformed post, like "Nada". These are people that weren't there, but trying to tear down the experience. I respect anyone that chose not to make the trip for whatever reason. My sister in Chicago declined free room and board because her daughter was having a baby shower that weekend. That's understandable, but she didn't post something like "The eclipse sucked. Glad I didn't go" based on her backyard viewing experience.
I have no idea what the eclipse food chain is. Mix metaphors much?
"Through this entire thread you've made it sound like anyone who wasn't willing to quit their job and move somewhere into the path of totality, had no right to have an opinion, or to enjoy the event in whatever manner they saw fit."
This over-the-top rhetoric is ridiculous. Almost all of the conversations were about getting to totality and photography and travel. I did try to encourage people near totality to get there, as did others, but I didn't see anyone disrespect someone's decision NOT to travel to totality for whatever reason.
You posted:
"94.1% here, but only 121 miles northeast for totality.
I don't know, giving up 5.9% of totality to have a slice of pizza and cold beer while sitting on my own deck with a bathroom just a few feet away, is sounding a whole lot better then sitting in a hot car out in the middle of nowhere while wearing a pair of "Depends"."
First off all, you would not be giving up 5.9% of totality, you would be giving up 100% of totality. But your comments weren't reflective of what YOU would do, since you now claim you DID travel to totality. What story of yours should we believe today? If you did see totality, how arrogant of you to be so dismissive in public but find a seat at the table in private. It seems that you just like to stir up trouble. Quit being such a jerk!
Too bad you didn't find the eclipse satisfying, but please don't discourage others from viewing, because you are in an extreme minority. So far, of the people I have spoken to or heard from that were in totality, you are the ONLY one to paint such a glum picture. That doesn't make your experience invalid, but it is unusual.
Lars
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
It's unfortunate that this discussion has gotten So DARK
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
how about having the ONLY thunderstorm in the entire state of South Carolina start moments before the eclipse starts and end right after the eclipse ends. Unfortunately that storm and I were in the same location and it cropped up too quickly for us to decide how to get out of it.
Login to Like
this post
Lars, over the past couple of years that I've been on this forum, I've thought of you as a decent, well informed person for whom I've had a healthy respect. But, there seems to be something about this eclipse that has sent you down a raw path. The title of this thread reads, "2017 Eclipse and EVERYTHING About it...", but you seem to have taken the attitude of "2017 TOTAL ECLIPSE, be there or keep your mouth shut". I don't think I'm the only one that's noticed this, you even got to the point where profanity had to be removed from at least one of your posts.
I apologized early on for making a joke about being so serious about this event as to go to the extent of wearing Depends. I saw humor in that, others didn't, so be it. But then, some of your later posts seemed to be attacking anybody and everybody that didn't see things your way or weren't willing to go to any measure to see the FULL eclipse.
We saw this event as an excuse to spend time with family and friends and witness something that you don't see everyday. But, the main focus was on family and friends. The eclipse for us was not life changing. We ohhh'd and ahhh'd during totality and there wasn't one ounce of seriousness involved. Just good times and memories.
I apologize to the board for stirring things up. I don't know why I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut when I see what I believe to be, friends attacking friends, but I guess that's how I was raised.
WB
6 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
"how about having the ONLY thunderstorm in the entire state of South Carolina start moments before the eclipse starts and end right after the eclipse ends. Unfortunately that storm and I were in the same location and it cropped up too quickly for us to decide how to get out of it."
Holy cow! That is unfortunate. A cloud formed near the sun for us at an inopportune moment (like you said, too late to do anything about it) but mercifully drifted the other way. Were you able to discern ANY change, or did the storm totally negate everything?
Sorry to hear that!
Login to Like
this post
Alyn shared a nice photo. Any other photos out there? I didn't take any photos, but one of my sons tried taking one with his iPad through the filter. I will post it if is it's any good. Michael had to travel two days to get to totality, but hopefully he will be back soon to share his experiences.
Login to Like
this post
So I won't forget
4 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Down here in SE Florida we experienced an 80.8% eclipse. I was off and kept running outside with my homemade projector ... a hole in a card. I had three holes of various size with the biggest being a regular hole punch, the smallest was a needle hole. Well the big hole was not good until mid-way when I could place the hole on a stone and you could see the coverage. Clouds kept rolling by and the temp dropped a good 5 degrees and the weird glow was totally awesome.
I wish I could have traveled to be in the Total Path, but that was just not in the cards this year. Hoping for a better chance in seven years.
Login to Like
this post
"I had three holes of various size with the biggest being a regular hole punch, the smallest was a needle hole."
Did you get better results with larger aperatures as the eclipse progressed?
Login to Like
this post
Yes I did. I was actually able to hold the card over the stepping stone and adjust the height so it did focus and was able to see the shadow. The pin holes needed better eyesight and I was too lazy to wear readers and sunglasses!
That was the way I was taught a lifetime ago to view the eclipse. We didn't have fancy glasses at the time. Didn't know about cutting a box to view it either. Thought very hard about that trick.
Maybe next time I'll spring for the glasses.
Login to Like
this post
Luree,
I'll be happy to send some eclipse glasses! Just PM your mailing address.
NASA says the latest ISO filters are good indefintely, so you can save your glasses for later eclipses. If your solar glasses have an expiration date, they are no longer approved by NASA.
Next eclipses:
October 14, 2023: Annular (not total) eclipse from Oregon/California border to South Texas.
April 8, 2024: Total Eclipse - through Texas, Arkansas, lower Mississippi valley, upper midwest, and New England. THIS IS A BIG ONE. Totality of 4 minutes or more! Unless, of course, April shower clouds get in your way.
After that, it's TWENTY YEARS
August 23, 2044: Total Eclipse - totality very brief as eclipse ends over Wyoming and North Dakota
August 12, 2045: Total Eclipse - following path parallel to, and about 200 miles south of, the Aug 21, 2017 eclipse.
Login to Like
this post
On August 21, I finally got my chance to see a total solar eclipse. I was with friends at their house south of Woodburn, Kentucky. The weather was humid, but sunny with blue skies. There were some clouds near the horizon. The neighborhood consisted of three homes surrounded by farmland.
We sat out in the backyard and took it all in. Cicadas were making alot of noise. One of the neighbors had chickens. As the moon covered about 3/4 of the sun, the chickens got noisy. The rooster crowed, and then they all got quiet. The cicadas also got quiet. As totality neared, everything got very quiet. The temperature dropped about ten degrees, and the humidity dispersed.
When totality began, I took off the solar glasses, and I can't properly describe the site of the moon and the sun. I can say that pictures do not in any manner do the sight justice. I was surprised that it did not get dark enough to call it night. All around the horizon there was a red glow like at sunset. The low clouds were gone. The sky was a velvet-like blue. I could see Venus and a couple of stars. Then there was the jewel. The moon, sun and sky were spectacular. The moon was probably the most perfect shade of black I have ever seen. The white corona accentuated it. The streamers from the corona were like the white gown of an angel gently flowing.
totality lasted about 2 minutes, but it seemed all too much shorter than that. As totality ended, I sneaked a quick peek at the "diamond ring". That was awesome. I understand why they call it that. The bright white-blue light from the sun sparkled like a diamond. Then it was back on with the solar glasses, and we watched a little while longer. The temperature began to rise, and the humidity slowly along with it.
Was it worth the 1900 mile drive that was lengthened in time and detour mileage due to Interstate 30 being shut down from Texarkana and 30 miles east for road repairs? Yes it was.
I plan to see the April 8, 2024 total eclipse. I only have a 60 mile drive to see totality for this one. The totality will last twice as long as the 2017 eclipse. That will be grand!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
03:38:29pm
I've avoided reading anything about the Eclipse prior to the event.
I just want to say - to all those who managed to experience some aspect of the Eclipse - total or partial, consider it a blessing. There are many of us who even in an area to experience it, cannot see it.
I get very frustrated when people argue about the best place to see something, the most important section of it (total/partial) - please never forget that any remarks that are made negatively to others about how much they saw or didn't see, hurts those of us who would love to see and experience these things and never have that chance because we are legally blind.
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
An excellent point, Kelly.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I didn't want to say anything either, but ANY day that I am able to get vertical, get dressed, and step outside and absorb the fresh air is a complete blessing. I take no day for granted now.
The eclipse was my second total one. I remembered the eerie light and shadows of having the sunlight blocked this high in the sky and this time around verified my childhood recollections.
Don
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
07:17:41pm
I think the excitement over the Eclipse is fantastic. I remember seeing one when I was a child and it fascinated me. I've seen several annual ones in the past. I just want people to remember that some words hurt others because although we share your excitement, it's also a sad time for us because we can't see it or for whatever reason cannot physically go out to see it.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
What do you think?
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
WOW.......That's the best shot I've seen so far........Should get a prize...BRAVO !
Login to Like
this post
Michael,
Interesting image but it confuses me. The light source seems to be a different direction than the eclipse in the sky. There are two light reflectionss on the car which make it look like the sun was in front of the car. Same for the light on the car seat. And the car shadows do not seem to be aligned with the angle of the eclipse in the sky.
I know that eclipse light and shadows are strange but this image is messing with my head.
Don
Login to Like
this post
Possibly they are reflections of the camera flash. Otherwise the image would have been much darker.
Login to Like
this post
Perhaps, but note the light reflections in the background, that would have to be some flash.
Login to Like
this post
Photoshopped? Hmmmm Just kidding Michael! That's an incredible shot. Now THAT is the first picture that I've seen that made me kinda "get it" regarding all of the fuss about getting into the totality zone. Well done.
Ernie
Login to Like
this post
More odd things about this photo
Note how there is a perfect straight horizontal line on the pole that extends to the building. And then there is a perfectly vertical line in the dark area on the ground.
I think that Michael is messing with us...
(I am also pretty sure that I see someone standing in the grassy knoll!)
And where was this photo taken with the eclipse so low in the sky? And am I the only one who thinks the scale of the eclipse is far too large?
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
The day after the eclipse, our friends took us to the museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It was only a short drive from Woodburn.
A photographer at the museum took a picture of my wife and I against a green screen. We then were able to select our images photo shopped alongside three different Corvettes. I noticed that they had an eclipse souvenir, so we selected that as one of the photos that we wanted.
As for the eclipse, it was much higher in the sky, and it was more pronounced than what is seen in the photo with the moon being completely black in color.
I do not own a Corvette. But if I did, this is the one I would want to have:
Login to Like
this post
I think Don wins the Sherlock Holmes Investigative Award!
Way to go, Don.....!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
The discussion splintered off about the coming eclipse. Those posts have been moved to their own thread.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I also bought one of your books and I'm looking forward to the day I'm back in the Round Rock area to get you to sign it. I have a friend from Pfluggerville coming up for the eclipse!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I'm planning to be in Kentucky as well for the eclipse. My wife has a high school friend in Woodburn (south of Bowling Green). Aren't you relatively close, a little bit north, to there?
We'll stay at their farm, if the weather will be good. If the weather forecast for Kentucky is not good, I'll find some place where it is good and drive there probably by myself.
(Shamelss plug time) - Don't forget about the other book. I can sign them both at the same time!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Or you can stay put and wait for the eclipse to come to you April 8, 2024!
Lars
P.S. - You're not selling the other book here. I'm not into poetry. But I will say again, for the record, Whitechapel Fog was engaging, entertaining, and well worth the read!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
The other book isn't poetry. It's short stories in the same vein as the novel.
Don't want to wait that long to see a total eclipse. I've been on the periphery several times. I want to see the entire show.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Woodburn isn't a bad choice. It all depends on weather, of course.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I'm near Paducah, south of the centerline.
The centerline is overrated. Using the simple geometry of a circle, the centerline will get 100% of the minutes it takes for the shadow to pass overhead while someone halfway between the centerline and the outer edge of totality will experience totality for only 10% less time but may be able to see a difference in the north and south horizons during totality.
The Annular eclipse coming to Texas in 2023 (not the Total Eclipse in 2024) is also interesting. Sometimes the moon is too far away from Earth to totally block out the sun. In those cases the moon totally covers the sun, but still leaves an outer ring of blinding light if you don't use protection.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
The last annular eclipse that I saw did not darken the skies much at all. I have never experienced totality. I think 75% is the most, so I want to experience totality at least once in my life!
In Woodburn, the totality period will last about 30 seconds less than at other places closer to the centerline. Still 2 minutes of totality isn't bad!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"The last annular eclipse that I saw did not darken the skies much at all. I have never experienced totality. I think 75% is the most, so I want to experience totality at least once in my life!"
Yes, totality is the goal, but I think it's fascinating that the only difference between an annular eclipse and a total eclipse is how far the moon is away from the earth! The moon and sun are almost exactly the same size in our sky, because even thought the sun is 400 times wider than the moon, it is also 400 times farther away. The moon varies from 28 to 32 Earth diameters away in its orbit. When it's closer (perigee), it can totally block the sun (93 million miles away), but when it is farther away (apogee), you get an annular eclipse where the moon covers the center of the sun but light still spills around the edges.
"In Woodburn, the totality period will last about 30 seconds less than at other places closer to the centerline. Still 2 minutes of totality isn't bad "
Take advantage of your offset. You will see the shadow coming from your southwest at mach 2+ and in totality your northern horizon should be lighter than your southern horizon.
Many viewers like the offset since you sacrifice very little time in totality for more profound effects at the margins.
Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter should all be visible during totality. Be sure you have your bearings and a celestial map!
I'm not that far from Woodburn, but if Woodburn is going to be cloudy and Paducah is going to be clear, contact me. My primary backup plan is friends in Clarksville, TN.
Should be a good show!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I figure if the weather is bad in Woodburn, it'll probably be bad in most of the Kentucky and Tennessee area. My back-up plan right now is to go up towards St. Louis (kind of close to Kentucky) or Kansas City. Hopefully Mother Nature will want to share her great show with us wherever we are.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
The Eclipse is supposed to be at it's longest between Princeton and Hopkinsville Kentucky. I live in Princeton, and I can tell you that the area is planning big for thousands of people to attend. Hotel rooms are already sold out.
I hope that the weather is good that day. I plan to see the eclipse from my own backyard.
Karen
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Yep. 2 minutes and 40 seconds (give or take a second)! Where I plan to be (a little bit northeast of there) it'll last just a couple of seconds over 2 minutes. I'm getting excited!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Another place that is planning big is Makanda, IL (Giant City State Park) and Carbondale, IL because the 2024 eclipse goes through there, too!
It all boils down to clouds, but August is BY FAR the lowest rainfall month in these parts:
http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/paducah/kentucky/united-states/usky1215
So I'd say we have a reasonably good chance of a great show!
I wish there was a way to get a date/time stamp at the local PO during the eclipse, but they only have CDS cancel stamps with the date only. How cool would it be to get an eclipse stamp cancelled in Oregon during totality of first landfall, during totality in your viewing area, and during totality at the last spot of land in South Carolina? The postmark would have to have the time, not just the date, and it would have to be fairly accurate.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
According to Accuweather, this is the historical average weather conditions for August 21 (the day of the eclipse) for Bowling Green, Kentucky:
Partly sunny with a thunderstorm
low temperature 65 degrees with a high of 87 degrees
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
In the totality zone, even with thick clouds it will go from being a cloudy day to being black as night. That still will be an awesome experience! I live not too far away, along the Ohio River in Madison, Indiana, and hope to be somewhere in the zone.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Indiana does not lie in the path of totality. NASA's site states that Madison, Indiana will see about 94% totality. From the map it looks like the closest town for you to drive to in order to see totality will be Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Right. What I meant is that, since I live not too far away, I intend to travel to somewhere in the zone.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I got a rare opportunity today at my local post office. The clerks notified me that they received the new Eclipse stamp and were excited about it. I was asked if I wanted to see it, but they stressed that I could not buy it until it was released.
They brought out a pane for me to see. It is black, gray and quite drab looking. I placed it on the counter, and placed my thumb over one of the black moon disks. After about ten seconds I removed my thumb, but hardly saw any change. I asked the clerk if he had tried it. He said that it took at least 30 seconds for the moon to appear. I tried it again, but removed my thumb after about 20 seconds. This time at little bit of the moon was beginning to appear. The image of the moon is not bright, appearing a dull, light gray.
I picked up the pane to get a closer look at it. I quickly saw that the moon began to appear on several of the stamps without my placing a finger on the black disk. Then I noticed that the moon was appearing at the locations where my fingers were touching the pane on the backside. I moved my fingers around the back of the pane, and the moon appeared over and over again after just a couple of seconds. The trick is to handle the pane from behind, and the moon appears right away! That was fun, and the clerks all tried it too!
I haven't seen it mentioned, but the post office also has a black commemorative envelope with silver printing in which to place a pane of the eclipse stamps. My understanding is that the envelopes are in very limited supply. My post office only received five of them. They are holding a sheet of stamps in one of the envelopes for me to buy on June 20th.
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
09:38:20pm
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Eclipse luck
I live in Union, MO - about 35 mi SW of St Louis, north of I-44. As best I can tell from the maps, I'm right on the 100% line. I have one spare bedroom with a new, never slept in, bed. Any SOR member who wants a good spot to view the eclipse is welcome. Bring duplicates and a bottle of your favorite wine. Just PM me if you're interested.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
It might be useful to know who lives in or near the path and who is planning to travel to the path. I have preliminary plans, but the 24-48 hour forecast may cause me to visit friends elsewhere on the path just as they may come here if they have a cloudy forecast.
Therefore, I can't say for certain that I will be anywhere near home during the eclipse, but if the weather cooperates I will be near Paducah, KY. If nothing else we may be able to arrange a happy hour at a Restaurant on I-24.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Same here. Can't make the final plans until the Thursday before I would think. If Kentucky washes out, like I said, I'll head north. The furthest northwest I can probably go would be to the Casper, Wyoming area. It would be a mad dash to get there, and I'd rough it in the car instead of hotels.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I had not yet been aware of the eclipse until I read this post. Better yet it looks like a half hour drive North will get me to 2 min 30 seconds. Something to look forward too.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I am so envious of all of you.
Because I need a constant supply of oxygen, I can't carry enough bottles to make it to an area of totality. (I use up to 1.5 bottles a day) Columbia SC is the closest to me which will be close to a 7 hour drive. Can't afford to rent one of the portable oxygen generating concentrators. They run about 100 a day, and the last time I rented one, its battery only lasted about an hour before needing recharging.
Guess I'll have to be happy with whatever partial I can get here in Virginia. I sure hope to see some good shots.
That brings me to a question. If I wanted to take photos of he sun, what kind of filter should I get. I'm told a welders mask would work but not sure.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
According to NASA, your location will see 85% totality. It won't get completely dark, but you should still get a good "show".
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Here's a link to Nikon regarding taking photographs of a solar eclipse:
how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
FYI, the USA solar eclipse stamp was released today.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
As luck would have it, I was able to convince my Oxygen rental place to rent me two extra O2 bottles (one lasts almost a full day). Four total would easily last me three days.
I checked rooms in Charleston SC and couldn't believe the price. shifted about 30 miles up the highway to Summerville and Booked a room for $110 a night. We'll drive down Sunday (8 hours) and set up the camera on Monday by the pool.e Relax when it's over and drive home on Tuesday. I can cancel as late as the Day before check in with no penalties so I'll be watching the forecasts. Once I get the ND filter for my lens, I'll be outside practicing on the full sun on weekends until then.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
What type of camera are you going to use? Please let us know what settings seem to work best for you in your tests.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I have a Nikon D-7200. I'll be using my 70-300mm lens at both ends of the zoom. Can't do anything until I get an Solar rated ND filter so I'm waiting for payday so I can order one. Being back to work after two months on disability, I'll be able to spend more.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
If anyone gets a spectacular shot of the eclipse I would be interested in making a purchase for a reasonable price. I will check the BUY/SELL section of SOR first after the eclipse!
Just so you know, the filters needed for the total eclipse (where you can see Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter) are TOTALLY DIFFERENT from 1 minute to totality!
Anyone planning to take photos needs to do some serious research if you will be in totality since you will likely have less than two and a half minutes to take all the photos you may ever take of a totality. Do you really want to wing it?
I'm spending my time WATCHING the eclipse and I will PAY for a great photo from a skilled photographer.
Lars
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I have a Canon, but 300mm is what I was thinking too.
Lars, you can't use a filter during totality. You won't get a picture. One will have to be quick to get the filter off, and get the exposure going for the totality shot. You still have the movement of the earth, sun and moon to contend with if a long exposure is necessary.
I have thought of taking a few snaps, and then watching the event. I stopped taking video of events that my children were in when they were in school. I felt like I never actually saw anything, because I was too busy working the camera. Then I watched all the parents bumping each other to get the best shot and obscuring everyone else's view. I never did that. I used a telephoto lens that let me stand back out of the way.
Oh well, I'll figure it out. One thing is that I will have to buy the lens. My Minolta lens doesn't interchange with my Canon camera.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"Lars, you can't use a filter during totality. You won't get a picture."
That was the point I was trying to make. I don't plan to attempt to take ANY photos of the eclipse, either before or during totality. I will leave that to the professionals and just enjoy the view.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
If the sun isn't active, then during totality the corona won't be all that spectacular. However, when the sun is active, the corona can be quite large. Two months to go!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I bought the eclipse stamp today. By the time I got home, the heat in the car exposed the moon!
By the way, the optional black envelope costs 25 cents.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Here is the backside of the pane. The liner paper is not perforated through. I cropped the image a little bit to get rid of blank white space.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Michael,
Thanks for the heads-up on the black folder - my post office only got 10 and they actually saved one for me. I wouldn't have known to ask if it hadn't been for your earlier post.
My fingers were too cold to make the image change, but the postal clerk was glad to demonstrate. My kids were also thrilled to try it out when I got home.
If it works best warming it up from the backside, how much heat does it take to make it change on an envelope? Has anyone tried it yet?
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
The heat in the car from the post office to the house made it change. Also, I saw that the change tends to stay if the temperature is above 75 degrees. The stamps in the house show the moon, although in a subdued manner, but there is no black disk. The heat from the scanner light also appears to have effected the change as well. It doesn't appear to take much to make the stamp change.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Now I'm confused.
The image changes to show the moon surface when heat is applied. Does it change back once the heat source is removed?
I do plan to buy a few sheets. One to collect and the other to use as postage.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Yes, the moon is normally a black disk.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Yahoo news had an article about Astronomers Without Borders. The organization is giving away a large number of solar-viewing glasses to other organizations that don't have funding to buy their own.
Also, people can purchases the glasses (good for viewing the sun at any time) direct from the organization. The price varies by quantity. 10 pair is the minimum number of glasses that must be purchased. Price is $2.50 each with free shipping. I bought the minimum.
For more information (I do not belong to this organization; I think this is a great deal to be able to safely view the eclipse without great expense) here's the link to their web site:
http://astronomerswithoutborders.org/
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I bought my solar eclipse shades from Rainbow Symphony:
https://www.rainbowsymphonystore.com/collections/eclipse-glasses-safe-solar-viewers/products/eclipse-glasses
They are $1.95 each for 10 to 24, but the price drops a LOT when you buy 25. (In fact, 25 are cheaper than 11 - go figure). I bought 25 at $0.85 each because I have a lot of family members to provide for and I live in the path of totality.
There are 3 designs that include a nice 11 x 17 poster at no extra cost:
https://www.rainbowsymphonystore.com/collections/eclipse-glasses-safe-solar-viewers/products/eclipse-glasses-2017#content
This is the one I bought:
https://www.rainbowsymphonystore.com/collections/eclipse-glasses-safe-solar-viewers/products/eclipse-glasses-all-american-eclipse#content
This one is for folks in Oregon:
https://www.rainbowsymphonystore.com/collections/eclipse-glasses-safe-solar-viewers/products/eclipse-shades-oregon-2017-commemorative-glasses-and-poster#content
Whatever you buy, just be sure they are ISO 12312-2 certified! According to the NASA web site:
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety
"The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” (example shown at left) or hand-held solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. To date four manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17. "
The shades Michael mentioned appear to be printed by Rainbow Symphony so they are ISO certified (but more expensive).
If you only need one pair (these are ISO certified), all it takes is a SASE:
http://www.eclipseglasses2017.com/free-eclipse-glasses/
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"I haven't seen it mentioned, but the post office also has a black commemorative envelope with silver printing in which to place a pane of the eclipse stamps. My understanding is that the envelopes are in very limited supply. My post office only received five of them. "
They are available on USPS web site for 25 cents each:
https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?productId=S_475329&categoryId=stamp-collectors
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
This is my review of the solar glasses.
The solar glasses arrived today. As I thought, they are similar in construction to 3-D glasses one gets in the movie theaters (DO NOT USE MOVIE THEATER 3-D GLASS TO LOOK AT THE SUN!!).
The solar glasses are manufactured in the USA by Rainbow Symphony as was surmised by Lars' earlier post. I don't mind the extra cost as the organization I bought them from states that 100% of the proceeds will go to buy solar glasses for groups that can't afford to buy them, like schools, scouts, etc. from poorer locations.
I wear eyeglasses, so I had to figure out how to wear the solar glasses without risking sunlight getting through the edges. Like I do with 3-D glasses, I slipped the solar glasses behind the lenses of my eyeglasses and held them there. I will probably have to remove the hooks on each side that attach to the ears. The frame of the solar glasses is made from card stock, so cutting will be easy. I don't think I would want to remove too much of the side frame as it also acts as a sunblock.
I have a high intensity light, so I tried it out on that light first to get an idea of what to expect. I saw just the filament glowing a soft orange. I then looked at my LED desk lamp. I could see the square LED, glowing a soft orange.
There is a warning to check the lenses before each use just in case a pin hole, tear, whatever, developed since the last use. Since no regular light comes through the lenses, it should be easy to detect any flaw to the lenses. It there is a defect, cut them up and throw them away so someone else can't use them.
Next I went outside to test the glasses on the sun. You can't wear these as "regular" sun glasses as they block all ambient light. You can't see a thing. I looked up at the sun (you must also use these glasses if looking at the sun's reflection say like on a window). There it was, glowing a soft orange. Since it was straight up in the sky, the sun's disk was small. At the horizon it may look better as the light won't have as much atmosphere to get through, and the sun appears larger. Of course, when an eclipse reaches totality, the solar glasses won't be usable as it will be too dark.
Instructions for use are printed on the side frames. One warning is to not use these glasses with telescopes, cameras or binoculars. Get the appropriate lense/filters for that equipment. Also, don't let children use the glasses without strict adult supervision. If they don't use the glasses correctly, you may have a blind child to take care of.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"I wear eyeglasses, so I had to figure out how to wear the solar glasses without risking sunlight getting through the edges. Like I do with 3-D glasses, I slipped the solar glasses behind the lenses of my eyeglasses and held them there. I will probably have to remove the hooks on each side that attach to the ears. The frame of the solar glasses is made from card stock, so cutting will be easy. I don't think I would want to remove too much of the side frame as it also acts as a sunblock."
I also wear eyeglasses, but you really won't see much more than shadows with the filters, so why bother adding eyeglasses? When I lived in Texas we called that fine-tuning a kazoo. Wear the filters looking at the sun and use your glasses looking elsewhere (and during the two minutes or so of totality).
That's my plan.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I wore the solar glasses without my eyeglasses, and all I saw was a blurred orange ball. With the glasses the sun was definitely in focus, about two inches round from its position high in the sky.
Definitely have to take off the solar glasses during totality. I'm going to take a couple of shots with the camera, then watch it. I'm not going to worry if the pictures come out or not.
I hear that Alaska Airlines has a special flight that will follow the path of totality across the US. That would be something to see from 50,000 feet high. Probably quite expensive too.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"I wore the solar glasses without my eyeglasses, and all I saw was a blurred orange ball."
Makes sense. Sounds like you have a stronger prescription than mine!
"I hear that Alaska Airlines has a special flight that will follow the path of totality across the US. That would be something to see from 50,000 feet high. Probably quite expensive too."
I doubt they will be at 50,000 feet, but they will be above the clouds. They aren't going to follow the path. A Concorde SST isn't fast enough to keep up. Even an SR-71 isn't fast enough to keep up with the eclipse when it's over Oregon.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
05:02:07am
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I'm thinking of getting a pane of the eclipse stamps. Does anyone know how the stamps will age? That is, will the stamps lose the ability to change the image when heated?
I did see a total solar eclipse in Melbourne, Australia, in 1976 and it is spectacular. Even when there is a sliver of the sun visible it is still relatively bright. Then rapidly it goes dark as totality is reached. Very spooky. Birds stop chirping. I hope it's a clear day (no clouds anywhere). Even if it is clear where the sun is, nearby clouds can dampen the effect a bit. Good luck with the weather.
The Emu
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Hi Emu,
Good questions, no one knows since this is a new type of stamp. The sheets of these stamp definitely are 'rippling' even when new. You can make them flat again with some pressing in a book but they quickly regain the ripples.
This, and the fact that this is a brand new process for the USPS, makes me a bit suspect of them but only time will tell how they will hold up.
Don
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
The USPS recommends storing the Eclipse sheet in the special black envelope to protect if from exposure to light. No one knows (or is saying) how long the thermochromic ink will last. The special envelopes cost 25c.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
This is cool!
The link below will take you to a site where you can enter any ZIP Code in the yellow box, and the solar eclipse will be animated to show you how it will look art that ZIP Code, and how dark the sky will get! It also shows you the shortest number of miles you will need to travel to see the total eclipse. Of course, the weather is not predicted.
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16019892/solar-eclipse-2017-interactive-map
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
There is a great iPhone and Android app called Solar Eclipse Timer that tells you the precise times for C1 (first contact), C2 (totality begins), C3 (totality ends), and C4 (last contact) for your specific GPS location. It's a talking timer that tells you when these events occur for your specific location, and also gives helpful hints (when to start looking for shadow bands, etc.
This web page tells more about it:
http://www.solareclipsetimer.com/
I have it loaded on my iPhone.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I see that Texas will be in the path in 2023 (annular eclipse: 5 minutes) and 2024 (total eclipse: 4 minutes). To see them, it'll be just a 100 mile drive south for 2023, and just 60 miles for 2024. I already know the place I'm going to go to to watch it in 2024!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Luckily I only have to walk outside for the 2017 Total Eclipse (if it's not cloudy), but the 2013 Annular eclipse is probably out of the question for me. The 2014 Total Eclipse is only a few miles away from my house (and my office is inside totality), so I get a "Once in a Lifetime" opportunity twice in 7 years!
That's the good news. The bad news is that we seem to get 100 year floods every 5 years or so!
My biggest fear is that clouds will cover large areas that day, and with the eclipse arriving at Mach 3 and racing across the Midwest at Mach 2, there will be little time for re-positioning and the result could be chaos on the roads and conflict over property rights. Let's hope for sunny skies, coast to coast.
Please be respectful of those around you and NO FLASH photography! That includes your smart phone. Disable flash on your smart phone, or better yet, use an actual CAMERA (where you can adjust f-stop, etc.) to take photos of the folks enjoying the onset of totality. Your photos will be cherished by many, but if you use a flash and "night-blind" everyone for much of the eclipse, maybe not so much.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Michael,
There are four different threads developing here:
1) The Eclipse stamp itself.
2) General information on the eclipse.
3) People who live on the path of totality. I have family coming in so I don't have any spare rooms, but if someone got caught in traffic and just needed a viewing spot, I can give last minute directions. Other folks on the totality have posted similar invitations. This would also be a good place for those of us on totality to coordinate with others on the path (I will host your bunch if you host my bunch agreements). We may also be able to give useful advice to visitors on where to eat, etc.
4) Photographing the eclipse. This would be a good place to share tips and tricks for photographing the eclipse and let others know there are prints for sale after the fact. I would be interested to know what's available! I WILL purchase a print of the eclipse from SOME photographer, and I have no problem giving SOR photogs the first shot (no pun intended).
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I decided to not set up with a camera to photograph the eclipse. Like you said earlier, and as some recommend elsewhere on the internet, there'll be plenty of pictures taken, so just sit back and enjoy the show. I can always buy a picture later if I want. I may sneak in a shot with my phone (no flash), but I'm just going to watch the 2 minute show.
I have been tracking the weather all along the path of totality. Of course it's too far out to really say for certain, but in the west, it is not projected to be so good. Around Bowling Green, the projected forecast is saying mostly sunny. Rain is in the forecast prior to the 21st. Can't fight the weather, but we can sure wish very hard for a sunny day!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
We live less than 10 miles from the totality path, so we have our glasses and my wife even bought me a glow-in-the-dark ‘Great American Eclipse’ tour commemorative t-shirt. And of course we got a few sheets of the US stamps.
Remember the hype surrounding ‘Y2K’ back in 1999? Given the unpredictable weather, I sure hope that this event does not go down the same way.
Don
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I will likely be in Aiken SC for the eclipse.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
The problem, and frustration, with viewing celestial events is the weather. Long-term forecasting is mostly a guess, but those wanting to experience a rare event have to make plans to go to where the event can be viewed.
We have 19 days until the total solar eclipse occurs in the US. I have been watching the weather forecasts for that date for a couple of weeks.
Here is the extended weather forecast for August 21, 2017, for cities with totality duration of at least 2 minutes (thanks, Don for posting a picture of the t-shirt!) as of August 2, 2017:
Columbia, SC = cloudy with thunderstorms
Greenville, SC = cloudy with thunderstorms
Clayton, GA = cloudy with afternoon showers
Franklin, NC = cloudy with rain
Hopkinsville, KY = cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms
Carbondale, IL = sunny with morning thunderstorms
St. Genevieve, MO = mostly sunny
Columbia, MO = sunny
St. Joseph, MO (64501) = sunny
Atchison, KS (66002) = sunny
Grand Island, NE = mostly sunny
Alliance, NE = cloudy
Casper, WY = mostly cloudy
Jackson, WY = sunny
Rexburg, ID = sunny
Weiser, ID = sunny
Madras, OR = sunny
Use the link below to find the local time for when the eclipse will occur. You just need to look up the ZIP Code for the towns, unless I have entered them in the list above:
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16019892/solar-eclipse-2017-interactive-map
I will post updated forecasts every day or so.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
To anyone traveling to the totality zone, Michael's list is East to West, but totality will travel West to East at about Mach 2.
NASA is going to fly 2 observation jets at 50,000 feet that will pick up the eclipse in the Ohio River Valley and chase it at Mach 0.8. Even so, they will only get about 3-1/2 minutes of totality each (versus 2-1/2 on the ground), but clouds won't be a problem!
Who knows if there will be an SR-71 flight following the eclipse. They couldn't keep up in Oregon, but if they started East of the Rockies they may be able to stay in the shadow all the way to South Carolina. I'm sure there would be no shortage of volunteers to make that flight! (Although you couldn't see them, that sonic boom would be hard to miss).
Lars
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Prepare for the eclipse before you go. The eclipse will last about three hours from when the moon first begins to occult the sun to when the moon moves away from it.
If you're going to be hardcore about where you're planning to watch the eclipse, meaning far from city lights, check Google Earth to see what's around the area where you'll be. Know what the location is, meaning nearest road intersections in case you need emergency help. Write it down on a piece of paper. If you are far from home, in the event of an emergency you may experience a little panic and could forget where you're located.
Don't forget your solar glasses to wear before and after totality. You don't need them during the short time of totality. It will certainly ruin your trip if you forget those!
If you'll be parked somewhere, I'd avoid leaving the car battery on to run the radio, stereo, etc. You don't want a dead battery and be unable start the car when you are ready to leave. If you run the motor, that's fine, but make sure you have enough gas in the vehicle to do this, so fill up beforehand.
Remember the eclipse event lasts about three hours. Make sure to bring food, drinks (non-alcoholic) and water. You may want to include a first aid kit, sunscreen and mosquito repellent just in case. Also it will cool down (even in partial eclipses it does this), so have a jacket, sweater or blanket handy. Finally, you don't want to have to take care of personal business at the wrong time, and there may not be facilities nearby either. To avoid a problem, I'd suggest wearing something like depends.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Using simple items you probably have lying around your home, you can make a very simple pinhole "camera" to view the sun and the eclipse. I have done this in the past. You won't need solar glasses to use these items since you won't be looking directly at the sun.
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera/
If you want to get more creative, you can make a box or tube pin hole projector still using common items probably lying around your home:
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/box-pinhole-projector.html
With both of these items, if you are going to be away from home to view the eclipse, bring some spare tape, aluminum foil (maybe using mylar like from a potato chip bag will be better since mylar is stronger than aluminum foil and it doesn't crinkle easily), scissors and pin, thumb tack or paperclip just in case you need to make repairs to the viewer!
Also, test your viewer before the eclipse so you can learn how to use it. No time to learn out in the field!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Also, when planning for the big day, if you live in or near the band, or have close friends you are going to visit, consider a philatelic souvenir! I have a poster (free with an order of 25 glasses) that I plan to take to the local post office in the morning (if they are open - I haven't checked yet) and get a handback cancel of the eclipse stamp adhered to the poster. Then I will have the poster at the event and invite those visiting to sign the poster, and then frame it. I also plan to have 20 blank envelopes and 20 eclipse stamps available for anyone that wants a handback cancel on a blank envelope with eclipse stamp or a hand cancel on an addressed envelope to go into the mailstream. I will make a run to the P.O. right after C4.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I'm reading that South Carolina is the probably the most southern latititude for the "full effect". What do you think we can expect to experience in North Florida?
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Ernie, use the link below. Just enter the ZIP Code for any town, and you'll see what percentage of totality that location will see, and the times of the event. Jacksonville is very close to the path of totality and will see 92% of the sun covered. Scroll down, and you'll see other interesting things on the page.
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16019892/solar-eclipse-2017-interactive-map
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
94.1% here, but only 121 miles northeast for totality.
I don't know, giving up 5.9% of totality to have a slice of pizza and cold beer while sitting on my own deck with a bathroom just a few feet away, is sounding a whole lot better then sitting in a hot car out in the middle of nowhere while wearing a pair of "Depends".
So far the long range forecast is calling for sunny skies.
WB
Login to Like
this post
09:00:09am
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Go for 100% totality. I can't emphasise this enough. Five per cent of sunlight is still relatively bright. The experience of totality is phenomenal. If you have to photograph what is happening, set your camera up beforehand so that you can experience the event without being distracted. You won't regret it.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Here is the extended weather forecast for August 21, 2017, for cities with totality duration of at least 2 minutes as of August 4, 2017. Towns with a change in weather forecast from the previous list are indicated with an "*".
Columbia, SC = cloudy with thunderstorms
Greenville, SC = cloudy with thunderstorms
Clayton, GA = cloudy with afternoon showers
Franklin, NC = cloudy with rain
Hopkinsville, KY = cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms
* Carbondale, IL = sunny with scattered afternoon thunderstorms
St. Genevieve, MO = mostly sunny
Columbia, MO (65201) = sunny
St. Joseph, MO (64501) = sunny
Atchison, KS (66002) = sunny
Grand Island, NE = mostly sunny
Alliance, NE = cloudy
Casper, WY = mostly cloudy
Jackson, WY = sunny
Rexburg, ID = sunny
Weiser, ID = sunny
Madras, OR = sunny
Use the link below to find the local time for when the eclipse will occur. You just need to look up the ZIP Code for the towns, unless I have entered them in the list above:
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16019892/solar-eclipse-2017-interactive-map
Future updates will be provided if the weather forecast changes.
Login to Like
this post
10:00:30am
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Interesting stamps
While stored in the black envelope the sheet of stamps show black (as during the eclipse) but when exposed to the light the earth is visible. The same was true of the single example in my collection Black when I opened the page and immediately turned to an image.
I too thought the stamps were heat activated but no tis the light or lack there of
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
No, it's definitely HEAT applied from the back that triggers the reaction. I have a pane in the black envelope and one out of the envelope.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"I don't know, giving up 5.9% of totality to have a slice of pizza and cold beer while sitting on my own deck with a bathroom just a few feet away, is sounding a whole lot better then sitting in a hot car out in the middle of nowhere while wearing a pair of "Depends"."
You're not giving up 5.9% of totality. You're giving up totality. Apollo 10 almost landed on the moon. But they didn't. Totality is a unique experience. 99% of totality is 100% NOT totality. This is a VERY rare event and for you to be so close and not find a place to observe totality would be a shame.
Don't let Michael's comment about "Depends" deter you. Find the closest place to drive to and check with that town for public places to view. Ask about parking and facilities. Ask about private viewing locations. There may be a restaurant that offers parking, toilets, water, and snacks for a modest fee.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Ahhh...but if I go to a concert and don't make it up on stage with the band, I still have a lot of fun! It's still an event and I even paid money to get in the door.
Besides, you left off the smiling emoticon at the end of the quote.(just a joke HaHa) Of course I'm gonna make the 2 hour drive north to get to the main event, I have people up that way. But even if I wasn't going, I'd still have fun and it would still be an event.
Hope everyone makes the most of the eclipse, regardless of where you are.
WB
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Wow! How to parse that!
"Ahhh...but if I go to a concert and don't make it up on stage with the band, I still have a lot of fun! It's still an event and I even paid money to get in the door."
That's not a very good analogy. If you aren't in totality, you're not in the back row at the concert, you're not in the venue at all.
"Besides, you left off the smiling emoticon at the end of the quote."
Depending on emoticons to substantially change the meaning of your words is risky.
"Of course I'm gonna make the 2 hour drive north to get to the main event, I have people up that way."
OK, lucky for you, but then why even make the comment about viewing 95% totality from the comfort of your deck? I really don't understand the point of typing gibberish.
Lars
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
For me, Plan A is to go to Kentucky at 840 miles.
Plan B is to go to Kansas at 700 miles.
Plan A doesn't look so good weather-wise, but if things change, we'll be staying with friends. Plan B looks great, but no friends. The spot I picked out to observe is outside of urban areas so I can get a good sky view. So, if it turns out to be Plan B, I'll have Depends with me.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
$7 glasses at Lowes!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Both Lars and I got solar glasses, and posted about them. Scroll up to our posts from around June 25. Time is running out to get solar glasses through the mail. You might try a hardware store for welder's glass, or build a viewing projector. I provided a couple of links to that a couple of days ago.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
All of a sudden I'm interested in this! Once in a lifetime event...actually a couple of lifetimes
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"I really don't understand the point of typing gibberish."
Ok, my most humble apologies.
WB
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Here is the extended weather forecast for August 21, 2017, for cities with totality duration of at least 2 minutes as of August 5, 2017. Towns with a change in weather forecast from the previous list are indicated with an "*".
Note that the projected weather forecast for almost all the towns has changed. For the eastern US, for the better. For the far west US, not so. Of course it's still 16 days away, so things could change some more before then.
* Columbia, SC = partly sunny
* Greenville, SC (29601) = partly sunny
* Clayton, GA = partly sunny
* Franklin, NC (28734) = partly sunny
* Hopkinsville, KY = mostly sunny
* Carbondale, IL = mostly sunny
* St. Genevieve, MO = partly sunny
Columbia, MO (65201) = sunny
St. Joseph, MO (64501) = sunny
Atchison, KS (66002) = sunny
* Grand Island, NE = sunny
* Alliance, NE = afternoon showers
* Casper, WY = sunny
* Jackson, WY = mostly sunny
* Rexburg, ID = mostly sunny
* Weiser, ID = mostly sunny
* Madras, OR = partly sunny with showers
Future updates will be provided if the weather forecast changes.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I never have put a lot of faith in weather forecasts more than 5 days out. At 5 days out you can have some faith into it, especially if the forecast is for the high pressure system to stay in place, like a long Texas summer. I start planning at 5 days out. I make decisions with 48 hours to go. I am on the path in Western Kentucky if anyone has to make a last minute change of plans.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I will decide on the 17th where I'll be going to view the event. I'm still hoping for Kentucky.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Michael,
I hope Kentucky has sunny skies!
Karen (kajones) lives in Princeton, so hopefully the 3 of us can meet somewhere in the vicinity after the event. If you do, in fact, settle on our neck of the woods let us know how long you will be here after. I am off all day, but have to be back at work in Paducah at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Of course if our forecast is bad, I, too, will be looking at a different venue!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I'd like to get together, but it probably won't work out. If I go to Kentucky, my wife will be going with me. A friend of hers who used to live near us lives where we'll be going to view the eclipse and has invited us to stay with her and her family on their farm.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I didn't mean during the eclipse, but possibly on your way in or your way back, but I just looked up Woodburn and you will probably take I-40 to Nashville and then up. If you were coming in on I-24 we would be "just down the road", but Nashville is about 2 hours for me.
Oh, well.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Here's a link to the Washington Post web site. It contains projected weather forecast and some interesting videos.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/08/07/an-early-total-solar-eclipse-weather-forecast-as-of-aug-7-2017/
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Here is the extended weather forecast for August 21, 2017, for cities with totality duration of at least 2 minutes as of August 9, 2017. Towns with a change in weather forecast from the previous list are indicated with an "*".
Today, all the towns in the list have seen changes in their forecast. Some improved, some not. It's still 12 days away, so things could change some more before then.
* Columbia, SC = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Greenville, SC (29601) = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Clayton, GA = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Franklin, NC (28734) = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Hopkinsville, KY = considerable clouds
* Carbondale, IL = cloudy with possible thunderstorms
* St. Genevieve, MO = mostly cloudy with possible thunderstorms
* Columbia, MO (65201) = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Atchison, KS (66002) = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Grand Island, NE = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Alliance, NE = sunny with afternoon showers
* Casper, WY = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Jackson, WY = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Rexburg, ID = sunny
* Weiser, ID = sunny
* Madras, OR = sunny
Future updates will be provided if the weather forecast changes.
Login to Like
this post
04:15:23pm
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I'm midway between Ste. Genevieve, MO (mostly cloudy) and Columbia, MO (mostly sunny). Everything west is either mostly sunny or sunny, while those immediately east are either partly cloudy or cloudy. Looks like the boundary of a front is predicted to be somewhere between Columbia and Ste. Gen and Union has a 50-50 chance at sunny versus cloudy. Any ideas on how to get a weather front to move faster?
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I saw a Weather Channel predictive forecast this morning for the eclipse path. They are starting to say that the weather forecast models are getting to the area where they are a bit more valid. There was plenty of rain in the forecast for the eastern half of the US. Still, it is far enough away that the forecasts can, and probably will, change. At this time next week, the forecasts should have a much higher degree of being correct.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Most weather predictions beyond 5 days are nonsense. 4-5 days you get a hint, nothing more. 3 days out you can make plans. 2 days out you may decide to change plans. 1 day out you just hope you planned wisely since forecasts withing 24 hours are pretty darn accurate.
You are seriously wasting time and effort with "forecasts" this far out. It would be far better to spend that time investigating locations 300 miles either direction of where you plan to go. You would do just as well to pick up "Poor Richard's Almanac" and find out what the forecast is for that day.
Don't believe me. Just Google "how accurate are weather forecasts 10 days".
This isn't belief. It's science. i.e. Reality.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Yes, I know.
Wasting time and effort? I'm retired. It doesn't take that long to do, and I do it when I take a break from my other time wasting activities. It's nice when every day is Saturday!
I do have three locations already spotted. I'll decide on the 17th if Kentucky is out, because my wife and I have to leave on the 19th to get there on time. I can wait until the 19th for my other two locations. I'll leave by myself on the evening of the 20th to get to either of those.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
One additional point that may be lost on some, we're talking about a weather forecast for a specific time of day! That's more specific than a general forecast. Even something like "afternoon clouds" seems innocuous in most cases but could carry great weight on Aug 21. Would those be early afternoon or late afternoon clouds?
My advice:
Wait for 5 days out to check the weather.
Wait for 3 days out to consider changing plans.
Make a decision 1 day out and hope for the best.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"Yes, I know."
I'm happy to learn that!
"Wasting time and effort? I'm retired."
I wasn't talking about YOU wasting time and effort (you're free to waste your time however you wish), I was talking about the people that responded to your posts. They may not be retired and have better things to do with their time than concern themselves with fantasy masquerading as reality.
So bottom line, you know what you are saying is (MOD - profanity deleted), but because you're retired you don't care? Interesting.
(Modified by Moderator on 2017-08-18 02:13:42)
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
LOL, Kentucky moonshine!
If you live a two day drive away, you can't wait until the next to last day to decide where to go. Also, for those who haven't picked a spot to go, and will need a hotel, well, you better hurry up. Hotels along the path of totality are just about booked out, and have been that way for some time.
My plans are to avoid the larger cities and the traffic jams caused by the huge influx of people to those locations. Many smaller towns are holding special events for the eclipse as well, and are anticipating large crowds. There is a web site that is compiling a list of the cities and towns and providing information about the events. I thought I had it book marked, but I couldn't find it.
I'm just sharing my research and what I find that may be of interest to anyone wanting information about the eclipse. It's still a little too early for the hourly forecasts for August 21. Those will available starting tomorrow. So, I do care. It's supposed to be a fun event. Lighten up. Take the information as you will, or don't take it. That part is up to you.
Incidentally, your town in Kentucky for August 21 is currently showing mostly cloudy with possible thunderstorms. Today, the ten day forecast only goes to August 20, which for that day shows around a 50% chance of thunderstorms from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Totality for your location on August 21 is around 1:20 PM.
The projected forecasts that I have been posting are from Accuweather and are based on historical averages, and current weather trends, including the tropics where there currently are two Atlantic and one Pacific storms.
Login to Like
this post
Approvals
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"One additional point that may be lost on some, we're talking about a weather forecast for a specific time of day!"
Explain that to my wife. It will start raining at 11:30 and she'll yell, "Hey they said 12:00!" It's an estimate... a prediction! Half hour window is close enough
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I use the hourly forecasts every week to help me decide whether I will go to the flea market. I find that the hourly forecasts are a necessity. You do have to slide that hourly forecast about a half hour in each direction. I certainly don't want all that I'm selling to get drenched in rain!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"If you live a two day drive away, you can't wait until the next to last day to decide where to go. Also, for those who haven't picked a spot to go, and will need a hotel, well, you better hurry up."
Absolutely! Those driving from that far should have long ago made reservations at the half-way location and picked a primary and secondary location. I would expect that Michael, coming up from Hill Country, has a reservation somewhere near Little Rock and with a primary destination of Kentucky has wisely chosen a backup in the Kansas area.
"Hotels along the path of totality are just about booked out, and have been that way for some time."
I doubt there is anything left on or near the path. If you have to abandon plan A, Michael's "Depends" suggestion isn't that far-fetched!
"My plans are to avoid the larger cities and the traffic jams caused by the huge influx of people to those locations. Many smaller towns are holding special events for the eclipse as well, and are anticipating large crowds."
That is wise in general, but ESPECIALLY when making last minute changes to plans!
I totally agree with almost everything you say. Where we part ways is the usefulness of long term forecasts, especially for a 2 minute event on a particular day. I used historical forecasts to plan what to pack for a trip to Europe. I didn't know WHICH days it would rain, but I had a good idea how many rain days I would have to deal with and what kind of clothes to pack.
10 days out the forecast is still fairly useless, but if your planned location shows thunderstorms the day before, the day of, and the day after, you might want to start doing some research. Other than that, it's mostly a waste of time. That is the nature of weather predictions and well established as fact. Google it.
5 days out if there are 3 days of storms bracketing the event, I would actually change plans, especially if coming from far away. 3 days out the forecast is fairly accurate, but it may matter WHEN those afternoon thunderstorms are going to form, and Michael is right that hourly forecasts are VERY useful, but they aren't very reliable for our purposes less than 24 hours out. Even so, the hourly forecasts from the night before may cause me to drive an hour or two into Missouri or an hour or two into Tennessee for a better chance. The eclipse travels at close to 1600 m.p.h. over Kentucky, but weather typically moves West to East at about 60 m.p.h.
I agree with just about everything Michael has posted on the eclipse, and I appreciate his links and other info. I just disagree with the presentation of weather forecast data. I contend it's meaningless as presented. Now that we are 10 days out, the forecasts have SOME meaning, and if there are locations with forecasts of sunny skies for the day of, before, and after, that would be very useful. Conversely, if rain is forecast for 3 days for your plan A viewing area, it's time to look at plan B. Otherwise a forecast for a particular day doesn't have much significance until 5 days out. That's not my opinion. That is the science behind forecasting. Google it.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Lars, you're right. I have a hotel booked in Little Rock for the 19th, and will be at the farm in Kentucky on the 20th, if the weather holds for the area.
Plan "B" is a spot in Kansas north of Atchison.
Plan "C" is a spot in Nebraska north of Geneva.
Plan "A" is over 100 miles longer than the other two plans. Plan "B" is the shortest distance. Plan "C" is a slightly longer drive (30 miles), but it is an almost direct straight line north from where I live. After Wichita, I wouldn't have any more large cities to mess with, so I favor Plan "C" over "B".
With "B" and "C" I will get an added 34 seconds to totality over my location in Kentucky, but having a place to stay and mess with model trains makes Kentucky nicer. No Depends needed either!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Michael,
Now that's a man with a plan!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I'm in Omaha and we are expecting about 80-90% totality here.
Finding glasses to view this is very difficult. Every outlet is out of them. I ordered two pairs from an Ebay vendor in CO Wednesday evening, per Ebay notice they will arrive 8-19! That is cutting it close. I think there is a lot of scamming on this on Ebay just now, I see listings for what look like cheap glasses for over $100 per pair. We will probably just see it from our yard.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Lars and I posted weeks ago how to get the glasses for little or no money.
CBS news reported last night that fake solar glasses are now being sold. Be very careful. Any glasses you obtain must be ISO certified for solar viewing. Many local libraries are giving away solar glasses by the millions. Check with yours to see if they have any.
Test any solar glasses that you get every time before you view the sun. If they have a mylar-like material across the eye holes (whatever they are called) hold them up to a light. If you see even a pinhole of light coming through, destroy and discard them. Try them on inside. If you can see anything, they are not solar glasses. You should see absolutely nothing. Go outside, and look about, but not at the sun. If you can see anything, they are not solar glasses. Destroy and discard them. When you do look at the sun, and you do not need an eclipse for this, you should see the sun as an orange ball surrounded by a black field. If your eyes start to burn, look away. The glasses may not be solar glasses.
You can also try hardware store to see if they have any welding glass. That is safe to look through as well.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"We will probably just see it from our yard"
That is a real shame. 90% totality isn't 90% as good as totality. Totality is a completely unique experience that is once-in-a-lifetime for most people. I hope you are able to find a spot in totality.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
In Omaha, you will see 98.2% totality. Still, as Lars said, it's not totality.
For you to see the total eclipse, you just have to drive 40 miles to the south west of Omaha.
If you drive to Lincoln, totality will last 1 min 18 sec. If you go further south to Princeton(Interstate 80 west to US Highway 77 south), totality will last for 2 min 23 sec.
Afterwards, you can take US Highway 77 all the way south to Mexico!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Eight days to go. I know this that no matter where I wind up, it will be nice to get out of the 100 degree heat for a few days!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Lars, don't read this post.
Here is the overall extended weather forecast as of August 13, 2017, for eclipse day, for several cities with a total eclipse duration of at least 2 minutes. Towns with a change in weather forecast from the previous list are indicated with an "*".
The eclipse is 8 days away (August 21, 2017), so the weather forecast could change some before then. The forecasts will begin to get more reliable as this week progresses.
Columbia, SC = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
Clayton, GA = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Hopkinsville, KY = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Carbondale, IL = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* St. Genevieve, MO = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Columbia, MO (65201) = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Atchison, KS (66002) = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Grand Island, NE = partly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
* Alliance, NE = sunny sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
Casper, WY = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
Jackson, WY = mostly sunny with a chance for a thunderstorm
Rexburg, ID = sunny
* Weiser, ID = partly sunny
* Madras, OR = partly sunny
Tomorrow, I will start posting the forecast for the towns above that relates to the time of the eclipse. For example, if I did this today, the forecast for Columbia, SC, would show mostly sunny with a 40% chance for a thunderstorm during the time of the eclipse. These are the nagging, unpredictable pop-up thunderstorms that occur during the summer.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I read the post, but with my eclipse glasses on.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"CBS news reported last night that fake solar glasses are now being sold. Be very careful. Any glasses you obtain must be ISO certified for solar viewing. Many local libraries are giving away solar glasses by the millions. Check with yours to see if they have any."
I've been hearing about that around here. This is REALLY important!
See Michael's post 12-Aug-17 at 10:35 a.m.
It would be a shame to be very careful over the years with shortwave UV lamps checking tagging and then throw it all away with a bogus pair of eclipse glasses!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
7 Days to Go!
August 14, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included.
The forecasts are for the time period during the eclipse.
Columbia, SC (29201) = partly cloudy with a 50% chance for a thunderstorm
Greenville, SC (29601) = sunny with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
Clayton, GA (30525) = sunny to mostly cloudy with a 25% chance for rain
Franklin, NC (28734) = partly cloudy with a 25% for rain
Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = sunny
Carbondale, IL (62901) = sunny
Columbia, MO (65201) = partly cloudy
St. Joseph, MO (64501) = partly cloudy with a 25% chance for a thunderstorm
Atchison, KS (66002) = partly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
Grand Island, NE (68801) = sunny
Alliance, NE (69301) = partly cloudy
Casper, WY (82601) = sunny
Jackson, WY (83001) = sunny
Rexburg, ID (83440) = partly cloudy
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Information about the counterfeit solar glasses, and information if you bought yours from Amazon.
Counterfeit Solar Glasses
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Michael,
I live in Hendersonville NC (28739) which is very close to Greenville and Franklin in your list. The forecast is looking very poor now, 70% of rain by 2PM.
And since weather seems to follow a pattern... the last few weeks have been particularly overcast and rainy here. This is the mountains and afternoon thunderstorms are common with the convection thermals in the summer.
Don
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Yes, I see that, but it has dropped down to 50% during the eclipse time. See how quickly things change this far out? By Thursday we have a better idea how the weather will be.
If you live close to those other two towns, just keep an eye on the weather for them, and your town. You can always pick one to go to, or go nearby if the towns are going to be filled with throngs of people, and you don't want to be smothered.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
My glasses arrived in today's mail, they appear OK, have the correct code on them. Put them on indoors and it's like wearing a blindfold. One odd wrinkle, they were mailed in a padded envelope, slightly larger than a standard one, sender used one forever stamp. I got charged $2.18 postage due.
Local news tonight featured people who got ripped off buying glasses on line, getting what look like just sunglasses. I cannot fathom anyone intentionally sticking people with something that could affect eyesight just to make a couple of bucks.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"By Thursday we have a better idea how the weather will be."
True, and I wouldn't definitely change plans before seeing the 72 hour forecast, but tomorrow we will be able to see the hourly forecasts for sky cover from the National Weather Service. Although they are still limited in value, I plan to see how they evolve for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday as the week progresses to see if there is a system that might stall or a system that may arrive ahead of time.
Local weather forecasts are less accurate because they intentionally fudge the numbers. They do that because most of their viewers are statistically illiterate and if they say 20% chance of rain and you plan an outdoor wedding anyway, and it rains, the perception is that the forecast is wrong, even if it didn't rain the last 4 times they said 20% chance.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I used Accuweather for the long-term forecasts that I provided up until today. Today I switched over to Weather Underground (a subsidiary of The Weather Company - Weather Channel). Here is a link that describes the difference in forecasting between Weather Underground's system they call "BestForecast" and the National Weather Service:
https://www.wunderground.com/about/data#differences
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Exactly. WeatherUnderground and the WeatherChannel are for-profits that care more about ratings than accuracy in their forecasts so they factor in the statistical ignorance of their viewers in their forecasts. That makes perfect sense from a business standpoint, but I'm not statistically illiterate so I prefer the real numbers without any fudge.
Personally, I LOVE the WeatherChannel RADAR for viewing local storms. Better than the National Weather Service or my local media outlets. But for no-nonsense forecasts, it's hard to beat the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service doesn't provide detailed forecasts beyond 7 days since they are statistically nonsense, and even the forecasts more than 72 hours out should be taken as advisories. There is no reason to start celebrating or panicking until Friday, unless a tropical storm is spinning up toward South Carolina. That's a weather pattern that is reasonably predictable more than 72 hours in advance (sometimes).
The most important factor is Sky Cover % for the time of totality. You can start viewing those forecasts for your zip code tomorrow at the National Weather Service web site, but this far out they really mean very little. I'm looking for trends more than anything, but the 72 / 48 / 24 hour forecasts are decision points for me.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
With Weather Underground, you can use either their forecast or switch over to the NWS. Click on the gear wheel at the top right of the screen, and you can click on whichever forecast you want.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
6 Days to Go!
August 15, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included. Changes in forecast since yesterday are indicated with an "*" next to the city name.
The forecasts are for the time period during the eclipse.
* Columbia, SC (29201) = partly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
* Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly cloudy with a 50% chance for a thunderstorm
* Clayton, GA (30525) = mostly cloudy with a 50% chance for a thunderstorm
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly cloudy with a 35% for a thunderstorm
* Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = partly cloudy with a 15% chance for rain
Carbondale, IL (62901) = sunny
* Columbia, MO (65201) = sunny
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = sunny
* Atchison, KS (66002) = sunny
* Grand Island, NE (68801) = partly cloudy
* Alliance, NE (69301) = partly cloudy with 25% chance for rain
* Casper, WY (82601) = partly cloudy
Jackson, WY (83001) = sunny
* Rexburg, ID (83440) = sunny
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I just noticed that the forecasts I posted above are from the National Weather Service. I didn't change it back to the Weather Channel forecast yesterday. To keep it consistent, I'll use the NWS forecasts for the remainder of my forecast posts. (This is Lars' fault!)
Login to Like
this post
10:23:02pm
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Latest weather reports show good news for Union, MO. Looks like sunny for 8/21. However, I have gone to bed after the 10:00 weather forecast was "little or no accumulation,"only to wake up the next morning to 6" of fresh snow in the driveway, so I'm still a bit skeptical.
Union has a population of just over 10,000. Local pundits are saying Union will see 10,000 to 30,000 visitors on 8/21. That brings up two questions:
1. How did they get those numbers? I'm pretty sure none of the experts were around in 1442 AD, the last time a full eclipse came through here, so they're not basing them on past experience.
2. Assuming the estimates are correct and using the midpoint projection, where do you put 20,000 +/- visitors? The single motel in town can handle 150-200 tops, and say another 800 are going to stay with friends/relatives. so 19,000 will be coming in that morning and leaving that afternoon. Figuring a very liberal four to a vehicle, that's 4750 extra cars coming into town. Maybe the influx will be spread out over several hours, but at 1:18:13 PM (end of totality) and 2:43:16 (end of partial), there are going to be mad rushes for the exits - all of which are two-lane roads. I don't think 'gridlock' would begin to describe that result.
At any rate, planning is complete on this end and prep is under way. We have a deck with an open view to the action. Extra chairs have been moved up from the lower deck and all furniture arranged to face sunward. The grill is checked out and ready. The weekend shopping list is done - brats, buns, and beer head the list. Enough eclipse glasses for everyone and expected guests (plus 2 pair) are on hand.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
You can now view the National Weather Service hourly sky cover forecasts for the eclipse for your selected area (where you live or where you plan to go). They are fairly useless now, but as the days progress you can see if there is any positive or negative trending.
Go to www.weather.gov
Select your location
Click on the graph on right near bottom that says "Hourly Weather Forecast"
In the drop-down box "48-hour Period Starting" select eclipse hour the day before (so you have a 24-hour window before and 24-hour window after to watch for events that may be heading toward the event in your area). For me eclipse hour the day before is Sunday at 1 p.m. but as of this writing the latest time I can select is 8 a.m. Sunday, so I go with that for now.
Click the "Submit" button.
Sky cover is the blue line in the 3rd graph down. You can uncheck any boxes at top to de-clutter the graphs (like heat index, dew point, and humidity).
If you click on the graph it will change to tabular data.
It's still VERY unreliable data, but we are rapidly getting to the point where this data will have some meaningful predictive value. If things look dicey 5 days out (tomorrow), I would not panic, but would start looking at a backup plan, especially if the forecast is crap the entire time. If things are still dicey 3 days out you probably need to consider a change in plans if you are coming in from far away. I'm on the path of totality, so I will hang in there and wait for the forecast that comes out on Saturday to decide.
Here's wishing blue skies for everyone!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Dollhaus,
"How did they get those numbers?"
Projections based on ... OK, they seriously just pulled those numbers out of a dark place. We called that a SWAG: "Scientific Wild Assed Guess".
"I don't think 'gridlock' would begin to describe that result."
Indeed! Anyone in or near the path of totality should start taking precautions immediately:
Stock up on soup, water, medicine, etc. Assume you will be unable to get to the store or the shelves will be empty starting Friday. Lay in provisions to last until Wednesday. Fill your vehicles with gas. If you have pressing medical needs, check with your doctor. Have a back-up plan (e.g. pregnant woman in path of totality with due date near Aug 21).
I plan to be hospitable to those in need, but there may be opportunists that take advantage of the chaos and thinly stretched law enforcement resources. Although I have a carry permit, I don't carry very often. I will definitely be carrying Saturday to Wednesday!
Check with your neighbors. Will they be there? Will they be gone? Do they have any potential emergency needs?
I plan to treat this like a major Ice Storm without the loss of power. Or the need to spend all day in sub-freezing temperatures with a chain saw helping out neighbors! But with a LOT of strangers I have NO IDEA what kind of upbringing they had, roaming my community.
Be vigilant. Be friendly. Be safe. Have fun. Enjoy the Show!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
5 Days to Go!
August 16, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included. Changes in forecast since yesterday are indicated with an "*" next to the city name.
The forecasts are from the National Weather Service and cover the time period for the eclipse.
* Columbia, SC (29201) = partly cloudy with a 35% chance for a thunderstorm
* Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly cloudy with a 35% chance for a thunderstorm
* Clayton, GA (30525) = mostly cloudy with a 35% chance for a thunderstorm
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly cloudy with a 30% chance for rain
* Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = mostly cloudy changing to partly cloudy with a 20% chance for rain
* Carbondale, IL (62901) = partly cloudy changing to sunny
* Columbia, MO (65201) = partly cloudy changing to mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = mostly cloudy changing to partly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
* Atchison, KS (66002) = mostly cloudy changing to partly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
* Grand Island, NE (68801) = partly cloudy with a 10% chance for a thunderstorm
* Alliance, NE (69301) = partly cloudy changing to mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a thunderstorm
* Casper, WY (82601) = partly cloudy with a 10% chance for rain
* Jackson, WY (83001) = partly cloudy with a 10% chance for rain
* Rexburg, ID (83440) = partly cloudy with a 10% chance for rain
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
4 Days to Go!
August 17, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included. Changes in forecast since yesterday are indicated with an "*" next to the city name.
The forecasts are from the National Weather Service and cover the time period for the eclipse. Weather Channel forecasts may differ slightly.
* Columbia, SC (29201) = partly sunny; 35% chance of precipitation
* Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly sunny; 30% chance of precipitation
* Clayton, GA (30525) = mostly sunny; 35% chance of precipitation
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly sunny; 25% chance of precipitation
* Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = partly sunny; 20% chance of precipitation
* Carbondale, IL (62901) = partly cloudy; 15% chance of precipitation
* Columbia, MO (65201) = partly cloudy; 15% chance of precipitation
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = partly sunny; 20% chance of precipitation
* Atchison, KS (66002) = partly cloudy; 20% chance of precipitation
* Grand Island, NE (68801) = partly cloudy; 15% chance of precipitation
* Alliance, NE (69301) = partly cloudy; 15% chance of precipitation
* Casper, WY (82601) = partly cloudy
* Jackson, WY (83001) = partly cloudy; 5% chance of precipitation
Rexburg, ID (83440) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
The NWS forecast changes from yesterday are mostly improvements with less clouds, more sun and a drop in the chance for precipitation.
Login to Like
this post
10:20:08pm
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
My odds went up a bit. Being on the totality path midway between Columbia, MO and Carbondale, IL, I have partly cloudy on both sides and chance of rain 15% on both sides - sounds like that's my best guess forecast for now.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Tomorrow is when the forecasts actually have some predictive value. Notice how the long-term forecasts change every day. That's because they are unreliable. These days the 72-hour forecast is your first look at what to expect and the 48-hour forecast is generally not far from accurate. If the forecast tomorrow for where you are or where you are going on Monday is bad, start plan B. If it's still bad Saturday, execute plan B.
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I will give a forecast update on the 18th, and I will try to do so on the 19th. I will be leaving to go to the path of totality on the 19th, so you'll have to watch the weather on your own unless someone wants to update it for me. I won't have internet access.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
If you want to get a daily forecast, including a cloud cover map, do an internet search for "eclipse weather".
When I do so, I get a couple of "Top Stories" boxes. Select the one from The Washington Post for the most recent day. It is usually the one on the left. It doesn't do any good to bookmark the page, because they post a new one with a different URL every day.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
3 Days to Go!
August 18, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included. Changes in forecast since yesterday are indicated with an "*" next to the city name.
The forecasts are from the National Weather Service and cover the time period for the eclipse. Weather Channel forecasts may differ slightly.
* Columbia, SC (29201) = partly cloudy; 30% chance of precipitation
Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly sunny; 30% chance of precipitation
* Clayton, GA (30525) = mostly sunny; 30% chance of precipitation
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly sunny; 20% chance of precipitation
* Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
* Carbondale, IL (62901) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Columbia, MO (65201) = partly cloudy; 15% chance of precipitation
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = partly sunny; 25% chance of precipitation
* Atchison, KS (66002) = partly sunny; 25% chance of precipitation
* Grand Island, NE (68801) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
* Alliance, NE (69301) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Casper, WY (82601) = partly cloudy
* Jackson, WY (83001) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Rexburg, ID (83440) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
Very little change to the forecasts. Most of the changes are again slight changes in percentages for chance of precipitation. Most of that is for the better. Cloud cover remains about the same.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I wont be joining the fun group to see the totality, so maybe someone might be willing to post a pic or two. Down here in SE Fla, we will be experiencing 80.2% of the eclipse. No glasses for this family. Will do what I did back in the day ... paper with a pin hole to look at the eclipse backward. Or just wait for the PBS show that evening.
I do have my stamp sheets in their black envelopes stored away. This is a wonderful event and I hope all of you have the best trip with perfect weather. I'm told the next one will be in 2024. I'll be around, but will I be able to get to it?
And our weather may or may not be good. I'll cross my fingers and hope we have somewhat of a clear sky at 1:25PM.
Stay safe if you are traveling the path.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
2 Days to Go!
August 19, 2017 - Here is the extended weather forecast for several cities that will see the total eclipse. Weather forecasts may change. Each town's ZIP Code is included. Changes in forecast since yesterday are indicated with an "*" next to the city name.
The forecasts are from the National Weather Service and cover the time period for the eclipse. Weather Channel forecasts may differ slightly.
This is the last forecast that I'll provide.
* Columbia, SC (29201) = partly sunny; 30% chance of precipitation
* Greenville, SC (29601) = mostly sunny; 15% chance of precipitation
* Clayton, GA (30525) = mostly sunny; 15% chance of precipitation
* Franklin, NC (28734) = mostly sunny; 15% chance of precipitation
* Hopkinsville, KY (42240) = sunny; 5% chance of precipitation
Carbondale, IL (62901) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
* Columbia, MO (65201) = partly sunny; 25% chance of precipitation
* St. Joseph, MO (64501) = partly sunny; 35% chance of precipitation
* Atchison, KS (66002) = partly sunny; 40% chance of precipitation
Grand Island, NE (68801) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
* Alliance, NE (69301) = partly sunny; 25% chance of precipitation
* Casper, WY (82601) = mostly sunny; 15% chance of precipitation
Jackson, WY (83001) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Rexburg, ID (83440) = partly cloudy; 10% chance of precipitation
Weiser, ID (83672) = sunny
Madras, OR (97741) = sunny
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
With the weather, some areas are going to be hot and humid. Make sure you bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dress appropriately for your area. Bring a jacket or blanket. The temperature will drop. Bring a first aid kit if you are in a remote area.
Out west, some wildfires may cause viewing problems, and breathing issues for those sensitive to the smoke.
Wherever you may go to view the eclipse, stay safe and remain vigilant of your surroundings.
ENJOY THE ECLIPSE!!!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I know this is late and I didn't read the entire thread but there are ZERO eclipse glasses available in our area. I should have been paying attention when you all started talking about this. All of that said, is there any way to use regular household items to create something that would protect your eyes for a very quick look? Just to say you saw the eclipse? Something other than the lame shoebox thingy? Thanks
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Go to a local welding supply and pick up a #11 welding lens. It will block 99.9% of UV-AB rays from the sun and should cost less then $10.
WB
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Luree - We're in a 60% totality area, and it's about 1000 miles to the closest 100% spot, so I'm mostly just expecting it to feel overcast here for a little while.
NASA, however, is helping us eclipse-poor folks with a lot of free broadcasts, including YouTube, Facebook, etc. (And NASA tv, if you have it on your cable or satellite roster.)
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-live-stream
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
As luck would have it ... I may not be able to be outside to catch the event. I'm so bummed! We are having the kitchen counter replaced and of course they will be out on Monday somewhere around 1 ... GRRRRRR. I'll still run outside and catch some of it, but why then?
Thanks for the heads up about you tube and FB. Not sure we can get the NASA channel anymore. That would be totally awesome to have it running in the background while they do the measuring. I know PBS or Nova or one of those learning channels will be airing the eclipse in the evening. But I'd like to see it sort of while it's happening. If I can't get the NASA channel, maybe I can get it on the computer out there.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Luree, if those other options don't work out for you, then there's this:
(Warning: spoiler alert)
https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLiving/videos/1403410689754899/
Login to Like
this post
07:56:42am
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
My advice when watching the total solar eclipse is this. Use the glasses up to a minute or two before totality. Remove the glasses. Obviously, don't look directly at the sun before or after totality but a quick glance with your peripheral vision will let you know the status of the eclipse. When totality occurs, you want to experience it without the glasses. The sudden darkness is something you'll never forget.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Login to Like
this post
07:08:24pm
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Report from on location in Union, MO in the totality zone:
Very few non-local vehicles seen in the area. No real impact seen on traffic.If the 'official' estimate of 10,000 to 30,000 visitors comes to pass, tomorrow morning will be interesting.
Several charter busses went through town in early PM. Union is on US 50, major route to Columbia, MO - largest city west of St Louis in the totality zone. That's the likely destination.
Small groups of bikers with knapsacks passed through, some stopping at local grocery stores. Grocery stores were hit hard Saturday and today in milk, eggs, bread, etc., just like a stock-up for a major winter storm.
All local motels, campgrounds, and RV parks are completely full.
Sky today was clear, but latest forecast is for partly cloudy with 15% chance of rain on Monday.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
On the scene report from Benton, KY. If there is going to be a major influx of people, they must be day trippers! The only visible sign thus far is the empty shelves when one would normally find Sundrop and Moon Pies. I kind you not!
BEAUTIFUL day today with a VERY good chance of the same tomorrow!
I never could get lined up on the sun with a telescope that has a solar filter. I may have to fashion a fixture with a cover and a straw that is parallel to the telescope barrel and adjust until I get a nice little dot of light on the ground.
Good luck to everybody tomorrow and even if clouds come your way, may there be a window open for the big event for you! If the forecast holds, I'm just hoping a stray cloud doesn't wander into the wrong patch of sky at 1:23 p.m. CDT.
Login to Like
this post
Approvals
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Just got these glasses so I'm all ready!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Big bust here in Jacksonville. You know Florida weather. the clouds rolled in literally about an hour before the event. Thats ok. I'm sure I'll see some great footage on tv tonight.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
webmaster for the ISWSC http://iswsc.org and ATA http://www.americantopicalassn.org
21 Aug 2017
05:41:31pm
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
The weather in the GTA was OK. We had some clouding over. I managed to catch the partial eclipse and got a grainy picture of it through my eclipse glasses with my cell phone.
This was taken at 2:12pm about 20 minutes before the max coverage here. Next up in 2024.
Alyn
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
We really got lucky in Western Kentucky! Zero cloud obstruction until about 5 minutes before C4, but if you're going to miss something, C4 is what you want to miss!
I will post a swap offer over on the swaps page.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"San Jose, CA ... I rate it right up there with Geraldo and Al Capone's Vaults."
San Jose?!?!? You weren't even CLOSE to totality! A PARTIAL eclipse is neither rare nor impressive. It's like going to a concert and not getting within a mile of the building. You didn't see a Total Eclipse of the Sun from San Jose or anything close to it. What you saw was a big nothing burger BECAUSE YOU WERE IN THE WRONG PLACE!!! Your next chance is 2024, but that one comes up through Texas and heads out through Maine.
A Total Eclipse of the Sun is only special if you are on the path of totality, meaning you actually SEE a Total Eclipse of the Sun. What you saw was pedestrian.
Login to Like
this post
Approvals
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Nada here in Exton, PA. I was working from home today so I was sitting in my kitchen with a full wall of windows and skylights. It was cloudy / hazy and I never noticed it getting dark. Oh well, I wasn't big into this anyway.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Once again, Exton, PA????
You were nowhere CLOSE to the centerline!
It was a nothing burger because you were in the WRONG place!
We're talking about a TOTAL Eclipse of the Sun and you were hundreds of miles away complaining how boring it was! If you were not on the path of totality, today was a total non-event for anyone except children who have never even seen a partial eclipse.
For those of us in the path of totality who were lucky enough for the event to not be obscured by clouds, it was amazing. If you weren't there, you won't get it.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
We had clear skies and around 90 to 95% coverage It was in the upper 80's and cooled off fairly fast. The reduced light effect (weird glow) was the most interesting aspect to me. Do I have to see totality - not especially.
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"It was a nothing burger because you were in the WRONG place! "
Wow, that's offensive.
I was in the "TOTALITY" zone and I'd have no trouble looking you in the eye and saying, "ehh...NO BIG DEAL"! It was an act of nature!!! You almost make it sound like you intentionally bought your house years ago, just so you could be inline with this event. So what, you walked out your backdoor and looked up? Wow, that's impressive! If anyone deserves kudos, it's those who actually put an effort into experiencing the eclipse. But even if they didn't or couldn't, who are you, or anyone else, to belittle others experience?! Or for that matter, put yourself at the top of the eclipse food chain?!
Through this entire thread you've made it sound like anyone who wasn't willing to quit their job and move somewhere into the path of totality, had no right to have an opinion, or to enjoy the event in whatever manner they saw fit.
The handle they gave this event was 'The Great American Eclipse of 2017', that means ALL of us!!
Quit being such a jerk!
WB
6 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"I was in the "TOTALITY" zone and I'd have no trouble looking you in the eye and saying, "ehh...NO BIG DEAL"! It was an act of nature!!!"
If you were in totality and that is your opinion, it is just as valid as any other opinion. I was only talking about critiquing something without seeing it. Maybe I made an invalid assumption that we were talking about the total eclipse and not just any partial eclipse. Most of the discussion was about weather forecasts along totality, travel, lodging, photography, etc.
"If anyone deserves kudos, it's those who actually put an effort into experiencing the eclipse."
I agree with that! We hosted some folks that drove a long way. One family drove from Michigan! Our effort was more along the lines of providing food, drinks, and shelter, so yes, they put in A LOT more effort. But even though they did, nobody HAD to. There is nothing wrong with choosing to stay put and angore's observation was interesting. Alyn posted a nice photo of the partial he observed.
I'm surprised that the event would be hyped that much in San Jose, but I'm glad to hear Anglophile's kids were in Oregon and South Carolina and were able to see totality.
And no, future eclipses played no part in buying my house. Thanks for asking.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I do want to reply in a separate post to two of whitebuffalo's more caustic comments:
"who are you, or anyone else, to belittle others experience?! Or for that matter, put yourself at the top of the eclipse food chain?!"
I never intended to belittle anyone's personal experience or choice. If you were in totality and thought it was overrated, I appreciate you sharing your perspective. However, for someone that didn't make that journey to dismiss the experience of those of us that were fortunate enough to see totality as "right up there with Geraldo and Al Capone's Vaults", seems petty and offensive to me. Then we get the piling on of another uninformed post, like "Nada". These are people that weren't there, but trying to tear down the experience. I respect anyone that chose not to make the trip for whatever reason. My sister in Chicago declined free room and board because her daughter was having a baby shower that weekend. That's understandable, but she didn't post something like "The eclipse sucked. Glad I didn't go" based on her backyard viewing experience.
I have no idea what the eclipse food chain is. Mix metaphors much?
"Through this entire thread you've made it sound like anyone who wasn't willing to quit their job and move somewhere into the path of totality, had no right to have an opinion, or to enjoy the event in whatever manner they saw fit."
This over-the-top rhetoric is ridiculous. Almost all of the conversations were about getting to totality and photography and travel. I did try to encourage people near totality to get there, as did others, but I didn't see anyone disrespect someone's decision NOT to travel to totality for whatever reason.
You posted:
"94.1% here, but only 121 miles northeast for totality.
I don't know, giving up 5.9% of totality to have a slice of pizza and cold beer while sitting on my own deck with a bathroom just a few feet away, is sounding a whole lot better then sitting in a hot car out in the middle of nowhere while wearing a pair of "Depends"."
First off all, you would not be giving up 5.9% of totality, you would be giving up 100% of totality. But your comments weren't reflective of what YOU would do, since you now claim you DID travel to totality. What story of yours should we believe today? If you did see totality, how arrogant of you to be so dismissive in public but find a seat at the table in private. It seems that you just like to stir up trouble. Quit being such a jerk!
Too bad you didn't find the eclipse satisfying, but please don't discourage others from viewing, because you are in an extreme minority. So far, of the people I have spoken to or heard from that were in totality, you are the ONLY one to paint such a glum picture. That doesn't make your experience invalid, but it is unusual.
Lars
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
It's unfortunate that this discussion has gotten So DARK
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
how about having the ONLY thunderstorm in the entire state of South Carolina start moments before the eclipse starts and end right after the eclipse ends. Unfortunately that storm and I were in the same location and it cropped up too quickly for us to decide how to get out of it.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Lars, over the past couple of years that I've been on this forum, I've thought of you as a decent, well informed person for whom I've had a healthy respect. But, there seems to be something about this eclipse that has sent you down a raw path. The title of this thread reads, "2017 Eclipse and EVERYTHING About it...", but you seem to have taken the attitude of "2017 TOTAL ECLIPSE, be there or keep your mouth shut". I don't think I'm the only one that's noticed this, you even got to the point where profanity had to be removed from at least one of your posts.
I apologized early on for making a joke about being so serious about this event as to go to the extent of wearing Depends. I saw humor in that, others didn't, so be it. But then, some of your later posts seemed to be attacking anybody and everybody that didn't see things your way or weren't willing to go to any measure to see the FULL eclipse.
We saw this event as an excuse to spend time with family and friends and witness something that you don't see everyday. But, the main focus was on family and friends. The eclipse for us was not life changing. We ohhh'd and ahhh'd during totality and there wasn't one ounce of seriousness involved. Just good times and memories.
I apologize to the board for stirring things up. I don't know why I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut when I see what I believe to be, friends attacking friends, but I guess that's how I was raised.
WB
6 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"how about having the ONLY thunderstorm in the entire state of South Carolina start moments before the eclipse starts and end right after the eclipse ends. Unfortunately that storm and I were in the same location and it cropped up too quickly for us to decide how to get out of it."
Holy cow! That is unfortunate. A cloud formed near the sun for us at an inopportune moment (like you said, too late to do anything about it) but mercifully drifted the other way. Were you able to discern ANY change, or did the storm totally negate everything?
Sorry to hear that!
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Alyn shared a nice photo. Any other photos out there? I didn't take any photos, but one of my sons tried taking one with his iPad through the filter. I will post it if is it's any good. Michael had to travel two days to get to totality, but hopefully he will be back soon to share his experiences.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
So I won't forget
4 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Down here in SE Florida we experienced an 80.8% eclipse. I was off and kept running outside with my homemade projector ... a hole in a card. I had three holes of various size with the biggest being a regular hole punch, the smallest was a needle hole. Well the big hole was not good until mid-way when I could place the hole on a stone and you could see the coverage. Clouds kept rolling by and the temp dropped a good 5 degrees and the weird glow was totally awesome.
I wish I could have traveled to be in the Total Path, but that was just not in the cards this year. Hoping for a better chance in seven years.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
"I had three holes of various size with the biggest being a regular hole punch, the smallest was a needle hole."
Did you get better results with larger aperatures as the eclipse progressed?
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Yes I did. I was actually able to hold the card over the stepping stone and adjust the height so it did focus and was able to see the shadow. The pin holes needed better eyesight and I was too lazy to wear readers and sunglasses!
That was the way I was taught a lifetime ago to view the eclipse. We didn't have fancy glasses at the time. Didn't know about cutting a box to view it either. Thought very hard about that trick.
Maybe next time I'll spring for the glasses.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Luree,
I'll be happy to send some eclipse glasses! Just PM your mailing address.
NASA says the latest ISO filters are good indefintely, so you can save your glasses for later eclipses. If your solar glasses have an expiration date, they are no longer approved by NASA.
Next eclipses:
October 14, 2023: Annular (not total) eclipse from Oregon/California border to South Texas.
April 8, 2024: Total Eclipse - through Texas, Arkansas, lower Mississippi valley, upper midwest, and New England. THIS IS A BIG ONE. Totality of 4 minutes or more! Unless, of course, April shower clouds get in your way.
After that, it's TWENTY YEARS
August 23, 2044: Total Eclipse - totality very brief as eclipse ends over Wyoming and North Dakota
August 12, 2045: Total Eclipse - following path parallel to, and about 200 miles south of, the Aug 21, 2017 eclipse.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
On August 21, I finally got my chance to see a total solar eclipse. I was with friends at their house south of Woodburn, Kentucky. The weather was humid, but sunny with blue skies. There were some clouds near the horizon. The neighborhood consisted of three homes surrounded by farmland.
We sat out in the backyard and took it all in. Cicadas were making alot of noise. One of the neighbors had chickens. As the moon covered about 3/4 of the sun, the chickens got noisy. The rooster crowed, and then they all got quiet. The cicadas also got quiet. As totality neared, everything got very quiet. The temperature dropped about ten degrees, and the humidity dispersed.
When totality began, I took off the solar glasses, and I can't properly describe the site of the moon and the sun. I can say that pictures do not in any manner do the sight justice. I was surprised that it did not get dark enough to call it night. All around the horizon there was a red glow like at sunset. The low clouds were gone. The sky was a velvet-like blue. I could see Venus and a couple of stars. Then there was the jewel. The moon, sun and sky were spectacular. The moon was probably the most perfect shade of black I have ever seen. The white corona accentuated it. The streamers from the corona were like the white gown of an angel gently flowing.
totality lasted about 2 minutes, but it seemed all too much shorter than that. As totality ended, I sneaked a quick peek at the "diamond ring". That was awesome. I understand why they call it that. The bright white-blue light from the sun sparkled like a diamond. Then it was back on with the solar glasses, and we watched a little while longer. The temperature began to rise, and the humidity slowly along with it.
Was it worth the 1900 mile drive that was lengthened in time and detour mileage due to Interstate 30 being shut down from Texarkana and 30 miles east for road repairs? Yes it was.
I plan to see the April 8, 2024 total eclipse. I only have a 60 mile drive to see totality for this one. The totality will last twice as long as the 2017 eclipse. That will be grand!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
26 Aug 2017
03:38:29pm
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I've avoided reading anything about the Eclipse prior to the event.
I just want to say - to all those who managed to experience some aspect of the Eclipse - total or partial, consider it a blessing. There are many of us who even in an area to experience it, cannot see it.
I get very frustrated when people argue about the best place to see something, the most important section of it (total/partial) - please never forget that any remarks that are made negatively to others about how much they saw or didn't see, hurts those of us who would love to see and experience these things and never have that chance because we are legally blind.
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
An excellent point, Kelly.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I didn't want to say anything either, but ANY day that I am able to get vertical, get dressed, and step outside and absorb the fresh air is a complete blessing. I take no day for granted now.
The eclipse was my second total one. I remembered the eerie light and shadows of having the sunlight blocked this high in the sky and this time around verified my childhood recollections.
Don
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
26 Aug 2017
07:17:41pm
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I think the excitement over the Eclipse is fantastic. I remember seeing one when I was a child and it fascinated me. I've seen several annual ones in the past. I just want people to remember that some words hurt others because although we share your excitement, it's also a sad time for us because we can't see it or for whatever reason cannot physically go out to see it.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
What do you think?
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
WOW.......That's the best shot I've seen so far........Should get a prize...BRAVO !
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Michael,
Interesting image but it confuses me. The light source seems to be a different direction than the eclipse in the sky. There are two light reflectionss on the car which make it look like the sun was in front of the car. Same for the light on the car seat. And the car shadows do not seem to be aligned with the angle of the eclipse in the sky.
I know that eclipse light and shadows are strange but this image is messing with my head.
Don
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Possibly they are reflections of the camera flash. Otherwise the image would have been much darker.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Perhaps, but note the light reflections in the background, that would have to be some flash.
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
Photoshopped? Hmmmm Just kidding Michael! That's an incredible shot. Now THAT is the first picture that I've seen that made me kinda "get it" regarding all of the fuss about getting into the totality zone. Well done.
Ernie
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
More odd things about this photo
Note how there is a perfect straight horizontal line on the pole that extends to the building. And then there is a perfectly vertical line in the dark area on the ground.
I think that Michael is messing with us...
(I am also pretty sure that I see someone standing in the grassy knoll!)
And where was this photo taken with the eclipse so low in the sky? And am I the only one who thinks the scale of the eclipse is far too large?
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
The day after the eclipse, our friends took us to the museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It was only a short drive from Woodburn.
A photographer at the museum took a picture of my wife and I against a green screen. We then were able to select our images photo shopped alongside three different Corvettes. I noticed that they had an eclipse souvenir, so we selected that as one of the photos that we wanted.
As for the eclipse, it was much higher in the sky, and it was more pronounced than what is seen in the photo with the moon being completely black in color.
I do not own a Corvette. But if I did, this is the one I would want to have:
Login to Like
this post
re: 2017 Eclipse and Everything About It - Stamps, Weather, Viewing, Photographing, Etc.
I think Don wins the Sherlock Holmes Investigative Award!
Way to go, Don.....!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.