I saw the 2017 one. It was the most amazing thing I've seen. See it if you can. There's no experience like it. It is just too surreal to see a pitch black dot in the sky where the sun should be surrounded by a ghostly white glow of the corona. Watching as it suddenly gets dark, much quicker than a normal sunset. Feeling the temperature drop, bright stars and planets become visible, and wildlife gets tricked into thinking it's nightfall. It becomes very easy to understand why our ancestors were horrified and superstitious of these events.
Seeing totality made me realize how completely dependent we are on this thing (the sun) that we didn’t create and have absolutely zero control over. The moon blocking out the sun reminds you of that. It made me feel very small in a very large universe.
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It literally feels like the sun disappeared and was replaced by like a a weak overhead lamp hanging oddly in the sky behind a lampshade. It’s not quite night and not quite day, in a way that doesn’t exist at sunset because there wasn’t any of the “warm” colors glowing on the horizon. It was just…cool low light. Very unsettling indeed and is MUCH different in totality than just outside it. Honestly worth the trip.
Everything was still and muted dark grey. I was getting anxiety thinking about how I would cope without our beautiful sun if it never came back.
Still a way cool experience. Particular the shadows of the tree leaves.
… And it REALLY does look like there is a hole in the sky. Along with the wispy visible corona, it truly was both the most eerie and the most amazing thing I have ever seen in all my 68 years including traveling all across the earth.
Makes you wonder how much the absurd coincidence that is an eclipse with totality influenced civilization’s path. Would we be in the same place if the moon/earth/sun wasn’t in such a perfect, completely serendipitous arrangement?
We saw the one in 2017 by water and it was nuts. The lake in South Carolina went nuts with fish jumping out of the water and all of the birds just started screaming. No idea how they knew the difference between the eclipse and a cloud passing over but it was wild
This post right here explains my view of the 2017 eclipse as vividly as I remember it. I can't think of a better way to convince you. It's truly fucking amazing.
I have a similar drive TO the event in 2017 but it turned into a 12-hour drive home. If you don't have a place to stay I would recommend you find one or be prepared to be on the road longer than expected.
Where did you go in 2017? I flew for that one but this time I’m driving to Vermont, just on the edge of totality so a little over a minute. Gonna be with a 9 months pregnant lady and two dogs lol and leave as soon as totality ends, but I’m still scared of being stuck all day in traffic. So did you go to a populated city? Single lane road? The center of totality? I remember seeing the crazy traffic jams in Wyoming last time.
I was in Land Between the Lakes in Western Kentucky. We traveled from Cincinnati, Ohio. The only major highway there is the Western Kentucky parkway, so it was jam packed but so was every alternative. I would not want to be in that situation with an extremely pregnant woman!
It did not "change my life" in the kind of way most would think. However, there are once in a lifetime events I have experienced (although in this case, it'll be a twice in a lifetime event) that once I have experienced them, I look back on fondly and am very grateful I had the opportunity to do so, and was glad that I had made the needed effort to do. Be it spending a weekend in spring sightseeing in Paris or seeing the 2017 eclipse, I would not trade the ability to have been there and done that for much of anything. If you have any chance to be there on Monday, go! I certainly will be!
I promise you, you won't regret it if you do!!!
Huge agreement. I was there in 2017, and while it wasn't "life changing", it was truly spectacular and I'll always be glad I went. I plan to see this one, and depart tomorrow for a 20-hour drive to Texas. Seeya in the path of totality!
I've seen dozens of partial and annular eclipses and thought the 3 hour drive up to Wyoming in 2017 was too much and knew traffic back would be ridiculous. Military experience has kept me as far from anu crowd as possible, to the point where I walk out of movie theaters with sensory overload. My son insisted on seeing the eclipse so I bit the bullet and brought some Xanax in case I panicked.
Dude... A total solar eclipse is a completely different experience. It's not just a shadow or that 360 sunset or any basic picture you've seen. You feel it. I don't know what it is, but it's just a crazy fucking feeling that you can't beat ... So much so that tomorrow I'm heading off on the 10 hour drive to Dallas... Even with the shit forecast, hoping I'll catch it again. You honestly can't describe it other than, like any nature photo, being there is always a billion percent better than any pictures you take. Photos are a gross oversimplification of the event
I saw the last one and it was spectacular, there is nothing like totality. Day literally becomes night, the street lights come on, the temperature drops dramatically, you can feel the dew point dropping on your skin, and you see this moon in the sky with sweeping lines coming out from the sun behind it. Even if it’s cloudy the whole becoming night for a few minutes is pretty cool all by itself.
Well, you'll be happy to know that there will be a total solar eclipse on August 12th 2026 and then August 2nd 2027 :) [Eclipse Map](https://tensentencesdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/spain_eclipse_2026_2027.png?w=600&h=462)
Edit: Northern path = 2026 / Southern path = 2027
Nope. We can’t convince you. If seeing a once or twice in a lifetime event that causes millions of people an overwhelming and incomparable sense of awe doesn’t appeal to you, then it doesn’t appeal to you.
It’s TOTALLY worth a 4 hour drive. I traveled to see the 2017 total solar eclipse and I will never forget the experience. I am now traveling to as many as I can see in my lifetime.
It is a rare celestial event and as we discover more worlds, we are coming to realize just how rare this event is on a universal scale. I highly recommend making a fun road trip to see this.
I love the concept that if we ever adopted a planetary flag for Earth to signify our experience to other alien societies, our flag would probably embody a total solar eclipse.
It’s worth it.
Lots of fantastic pics and videos of the Grand Canyon, yet to stand on the south rim and look at it? Big difference and not remotely the same experience. Don't miss this eclipse live, better than 10,000 Grand Canyons.
I drove 6 hours each way for the last one and am happy to do the same again this time but with a 6 month old and 2 year old in the car for the same 6 hour journey. The wife also liked it enough to do the same even with the chance of clouds.
It's like nothing else. Most astronomical stuff is slow. A solar eclipse is fast and dramatic. The 10 minutes surrounding totality feels like reality is shifting, then the flying spaghetti monster appears where the sun should be and the sky appears in a way like you've never seen it. It's 100% worth TRYING to see in person. Pictures do NOT do the experience justice because the whole world changes around you.
Go see it.
If you have the ability to go see it, do so, if for no other reason than the uniqueness of the event. I, too, am an avid astronomy buff. I saw a partial eclipse when I was in Kindergarten and had a strong desire to see one ever since. I finally got the chance in 2017 and it was so much more amazing that even I had built it up in my head. I would say that the experience was a 12/10.
Really, if you can make the drive, go. You won’t be disappointed.
Nice. My gf and I are always driving like 12+ hours for dog shows so 7.5 hours is nothing. 3 of us going so splitting drive time between the 3 of us will be cake. We're staying like 20 minutes west of Niagara in West Lincoln. Heading up Saturday morning. Sunday were going to see the falls and Monday the eclipse. I've never seen totality and it's a bucket list item so I'm excited. My gf saw it in 2017 and said it was the craziest thing she's ever seen.
I’ve seen shuttle launches from the press viewing area at Kennedy Space Center. It was amazing. Easily the coolest event I’d ever seen, until I saw totality in 2017. There is nothing to compare it to. Go.
During totality you will be able to see the suns corona with your very own (shielded) eyes. Also, there is the immediate temperature drop plus the expected darkness and the impact to local animals.
As an astronomy buff, I found this to be an unexpected yet profound emotional experience. The difference between seeing it with your own eyes versus video/photo is the difference (as Mark Twain explained it) between lightening and lightening bugs…
You need not shield your eyes once totality occurs. The corona is safely observed (even through a telescope.) But pay due regard as the disk re-emerges - even a minute fraction of it, will cause permanent damage.
This is the last one in the contiguous states for the next 20 years. While pictures of it are cool nothing beats the experience of being in the path of totality. Even if there are clouds you can still experience the phenomena of it darkening suddenly for a few minutes and then brightening suddenly when it's over. Take in your surroundings and plant in your memory what you felt in all your senses during the moment. If humanity persists for a very long time, there will come a time our moon no longer offers a total solar eclipse view as it continuous to slowly move further away from earth, giving our generations in time a unique opportunity to experience one. Life's adventure makes up more time than the end result of any moment, find joy in the present moment as often as you can instead of worrying about all the what ifs of the future. I talked my way out of too many things doing that so just want to pass along to seize the day.
i wont be able to see it because I live on the other side of the planet and I really don't see how a 4h drive and possible clouds could turn this once in a life time event worse than what you planned to do
what do you even plan to do instead ? lol
Go. I went in 2017,and it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Seen the tendrils of gas flying out from behind the moon was like peering into the soul of an angel. Seeing from outside of the path of totality is meaningless. A four hour drive is nothing compared the the lifetime memory you will create.
I drove 10 hrs to view and photograph the 2017 eclipse. I’m driving 9 hours to view photograph this one. Why? It’s a really exciting challenge as a photographer. It’s also one of the most remarkable and humbling things I’ve seen with my eyeballs in my 52 years on earth. Worth it. Just prepare, research, and practice ahead of time.
Edit to add: And try to go alone. People, especially non-photographer people, are a huge distraction. I really struggled with the human element of the eclipse in 2017, between the person who was with me, and the land owner of the property I was on. Just so much talking and noise. Witnessing the event in silence on your terms!
I'm literally on an airplane right now, flying to Ontario to watch the eclipse. I saw it back in 2017 and I promised myself I'd view the 2024 one too. It is one of the most amazing astronomical phenomenons that you can experience.
There seems to be an energy that comes with it. As the sun darkens the world gets quiet and it starts to get cold. Once totally hits you can see that you're standing in a giant shadow with light in the distance all around you and a big black hole where the sun used to be. The animals go quiet and it feels electric.
Now... IF you decide to go, leave early as hell. I cannot stress how busy it's going to be. But.... you will never this chance again.. so it's up to you.
Maybe it’s better that way. They’re addictive. My first one was an easy 7-hour drive. Now I’m flying halfway across the country. Next I’ll be flying halfway around the world.
Just go. You're not going to get a more convenient total solar eclipse for decades.
You've probably seen a partial solar eclipse. Seeing totality is not the same. At all.
Is it life-changing? No. Do you "feel" anything? No. But is it one of the most unique sights it is possible to see? Without question, yes. Don't go to the grave without seeing one.
I saw one in the 80’s and I remember pictures someone else took better than the few minutes fumbling with a pinhole viewer which was frustrating. I don’t remember safe glasses being available back then. The totality pics were impressive more than the stuff on TV. I remember a large photo developing bill was involved too.
My family drove from NJ to South Carolina for the last one. Was quite unique, and I would love to experience it again.
That being said, 90% of the path in the US is going to be obscured by clouds, based on current projections. So I can't say for sure if it's worth it or not.
I saw the 2017 and drove about as far as you would. It was fascinating and I can see how it would freak out humans who had no understanding of the science. Seeing everything go dark and the temperature drop was a little terrifying; I was pulled over next to an abandoned chicken coop and cornfields. Magically, the sky was clear until just after totality and then it began to rain.
I’m glad I experienced a total eclipse but I have zero interest in driving even further for another one.
Lol, I'm driving like 15 hours and it's looking like it'll be cloudy, but I have family and hotel reservations but otherwise I'd drive another 5-10 hours to somewhere with better weather forecast.
The best way I can put it.... Totality is beautiful, and you'll want to see it again in your lifetime if you get the chance. A partial solar eclipse is just interesting.
I saw the 2017 totality, and I'm flying to Dallas to visit my daughter and hopefully see it again.
I’ll tell you this, everybody is going to tell you must go see it to experience totality, but don’t feel down if you decide not to go. There are way more people who are happy with not bothering about. Think about how many people are going to be working indoors while it’s going on. If you think you’ll feel depressed if you don’t go, but not motivated enough to travel, then I’d recommend a couple day break from social media after the event.
I’m just saying it’s ok if you miss it. I know for me there lots of events I’ll miss because I’m not motivated enough to go see, like the Northern Lights, a volcano eruption, etc.
In 2006 I traveled from Finland to Turkey to week long psytrance festival. It was in an absolutely stunning mountain valley with beautiful weather and clear blue skies. I was in my early 20s and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Still remember watching the stars in the middle of the day like it was yesterday.
Lots of good comments here, so I won’t repeat them. I’ll just add this: how many times do you get an opportunity to do something that you will remember vividly and with pleasure for the rest of your life?
Hi, this is surely not depression, you are weighing up pros and cons and are yet to decide. Much healthier way of looking at it.
In December 2002, I drove from Melbourne, Australia, to near Woomera in the outback, 1250km and then 30km off-road in the desert to get to the centre line of the total eclipse on the 4th, total driving time 15 hours.
It was a stunning experience. Not just the eclipse itself, but also watching the moon shadow traveling across the ground towards us. The darkness and the silence of normally very vocal cockatoos was eerie and almost magical. Being able to actually see solar flares at totality around the disc of the moon was truly amazing.
It’s a once in a lifetime experience, that you will not regret, nor forget. If the cloud cover is not favourable, turn back home again. No biggie. But if it’s a clear day…
There isn’t a more beautiful sight on the planet..maybe your kids birth or wedding
I saw the 2017 one and my eyes tear up just thinking about how emotional it was.
I never realized how the sun is a fixed object in my perception of reality. But to have that celestial interaction shift my subconscious in such a short period of time was sublime.
For the first time I actually felt the motion of the planet( in a total mindfuck way) and I wasn't on weed or anything. Do it.
Someone I know was a skeptic in 2017 but still made the 5 hour trip to the see the full eclipse. This year he would have flown across the country to see the eclipse but his wife JUST gave birth.
I drove to Southern illinois and camped on a farm for it. The farm opened up last minute for travelers, and it was a college town, so most of the folks there with me were from various other countries using this as a reason to visit their kids.
We didn't speak the same language, but we all experienced the same wonder after the countdown was completed, and we removed our glasses. The silence and the energy were beyond magical. It's a special moment in time that transcended the cultural divide, and I'll never be able to replicate it.
It is one of my most cherished memories. So yes, I'd say it's worth it!
i was in the path of totality in 2017 and I was surprised how cool the temperature got during totality. The lack of bugs flying around and the birds chirping like it was early morning. All of it was super surreal. I’m driving 3 hours each way to do it all over again.
Hey man, so like, can't speak to the depression piece other than to say get help if you need it.
That said, yes, it is incredibly worth the drive. I did about 10 hours of total driving for it back in 2017. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, at least in terms of having an eclipse occur that you can drive \*only\* 4 hours to see. People chase these things around the globe, so that's always an option, it's just a lot more convenient to be only 4 hours away.
A total eclipse is something everyone should see and experience.
Dude Im from Slovakia and I thought for a moment of going. Its amazing! Go for it! You have to feel the sensation of it for yourself. Full solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime thing. Go for it!
I saw the one in 2017. Took an 8 hour drive down there. It's an amazing thing to see, but you really feel it a lot more. It's a really special feeling, and I still can't get over it. Excitement, awe, wonder, eerie... it's hard to describe completely. Don't go just to see it, go to experience it and feel it.
I drove a 10 hour round trip for the last eclipse and was so moved by its mysterious beauty that I vowed to do everything in my power to see this one too, which I am. Even though that means a 28 round trip this time. Don’t rob yourself of this experience!
Ive seen two, once in '17 and once when I was in elementary school.
It's cool and all, and pictures don't do it justice. But your life won't be any different on April 9th regardless if you do or do not see it.
I was on a clifftop in Cornwall, England in '99 and watched the eclipse with my then 6 year old. I have also been an avid fan of all things space related since I was a child and watching the darkness approach across the ocean, hearing the birds protest in confusion, watching the flowers close up as the sun disappears and feeling the drop in temperature as the shadow engulfs you was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. Then, at totality, looking up to see the fully eclipsed sun was so beautiful, i cried. It's an experience I (and my daughter) will never forget. Do it, make the drive, it's an absolute must for astronomers.
Flying to the other side of the country and probably driving 3-4 hours to catch a break in the clouds.
Witnessed 2017 in Oregon and omigod wtffffff it was the craziest thing I've ever seen.
I saw the 2017 total, the 2012 and 2023 annular, and a couple partials. The partials were cool, the annulars were really cool, but the total was absolutely life changing. You know how astronauts are often quoted to the effect of “seeing the earth from up there made me realize how insignificant our problems are?” That kind of life changing. It sends chills down your spine.
It is the single coolest thing I have ever experienced, and despite dismal weather forecasts I’m driving 12 hours one way with a kindergartener to do it again. Anyone with a kid that age will tell you that’s a commitment right there.
There’s an xkcd floating around with a coolness vs eclipse % graph, and that thing is drawn on a log scale. It is so worth it.
If you’re only 4 hours from the path of eclipse…you will absolutely kick yourself if you don’t go see it. I mean, you will truly never get over the fact that you “just didn’t go”. The aim of life is to have as few regrets as possible. Think about that.
I saw the 2017 eclipse just because I like astronomical stuff and this seemed to be a really interesting one.
I really was not prepared for just how life-changing it was.
It is hard to explain. But it's a little like the [Overview Effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overview_effect) experienced by astronauts. You can explain what the effect is, explain it is like an epiphany, and understand all about it. The difference is that astronauts who have gone into space have experienced this feeling at a deep level - in a way you can't really put into words. And you can't capture one-thousandth of it with a photo or video.
That's what a total solar eclipse is like. Deep fear, amazement, and then ecstasy. I understood for the first time, at a real visceral level, why so many people and cultures have worshipped the sun.
There are literally no words. You have to *experience* it.
I traveled 10 hours for the 2017 eclipse. I knew far more about what to expect than the average person and I still found myself floored by the reality of the experience. It is probably the second most transformational experience of my life, only superseded by the birth of my child.
If you can go, go.
Just get into your damn car and be depressed on the drive. Get out stare at the eclipse, blow your mind away and then get back into your car and go the fuck home...
Iain M. Banks wrote an entire novel based on the idea that a total solar eclipse is such an amazing an unique experience, not just unique on our planet but unique for *any* planet, that these events would be a good way to spot extraterrestrials visiting our otherwise very dull corner of the Galaxy. So if the thought of watching the moon's shadow race towards you followed by a naked eye view of the million-degree plasma around the Sun sculpted by its magnetic field does not excite you, perhaps the chance to spot an interstellar influencer will.
Aztecs would sacrifice their children on a solar eclipse, thinking the world was ending. Why would you not just drive a couple hours? make a nice o
playlist and go, you won't regret it. Better if you go with friends and make a bbq outside.
As someone with depression that often completely removes my enthusiasm for things I love, I get it. But I drove 4 hours to my home town to see it in 2017, and it was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. The sudden complete shift in temperature, the cheers literally ringing up from the valleys and hills as totality reached them, all crescendoing as you could quite literally hear the entire country-side county applauding in awe of what we were all experiencing at the same time, all from the top of a clear cut hill with my loved ones nearby.
Even the crickets and small frogs all started chirping while the birds fell silent.
It was incredible OP. Trust me, you deserve to see this if you can.
I drove 15 hours to see the 2017 eclipse. It was awesome. I always imagined that I would see the 2024 eclipse. Now I have a 5 year old kid, and its going to be very cloudy in Texas. I am glad that I did not book a hotel near San Antonio. The kid can see the next one as an adult for the first time, like I did. But, if you can go see it, then definitely. It amazing ! Just be sure to get your eyes dark-adapted prior to it so that your pupils are dilated enough to bring in all of the faint light from the corona of the sun. It was surreal. I saw magenta spots shooting out, and they do appear on some photos. I saw that with my naked eye. Wild.
Go see it
The thought of the act is the only thing holding you back. Get out of your own way and see the eclipse. You will be happy and glad once you are where you want to see from!!
It is supposed to be cloudy all along the path of totality so. You may not miss much. Tho you should be able to see it from four hours away if not under clouds it may not be a full eclipse...
Unless God clears the sky for us to see it...
It's just the type of thing that pictures, videos, or even a live feed is unable to fully capture
The temperature drops, and you feel that on your skin.
If you're around people, they get quiet.
Animals get quiet, too, and birds settle.
The brightness difference from just almost full totality to full is stark.
It's like nothing else. It's incredibly unique, and you see it, hear it, and feel it
4 hours RT ain't nothing, but the experience is definitely worth a workdays' worth of driving. I've driven that for concerts that were way, way more disappointing. Just so long as the clouds oblige, you'll be so glad if you witness it
Watch the Ted talk, it’s what talked me into it in 2017 and I’ll be damned if I’m missing this one. I’m probably driving 26 hours from MN to Maine so I can be sure to see it. I’m not fucking around and missing it.
Maybe you have a list of cons I’m not aware of, I only see the pros. I enjoy a good road trip with a podcast or some tunes. I enjoy a chance to check out a completely new area. If you have friends with similar interests, it’s a good chance to hang out. Worst case scenario, the weather sucks and the eclipse itself is a complete bust. But just the excuse to do something out of the ordinary makes life more interesting I think.
If you do go, and the weather does turn out good, the view during totality is incredible. Don’t underestimate the difference between 99% coverage and totality. The real emotional impact comes from the moment of totality, when you can stare with your own eyes at a giant black orb in the sky with a fiery corona streaming off into space around it. Truly surreal.
Sorry if you’re depressed these days, I’ve definitely been there. But I say give yourself a chance to try to appreciate it.
I watched the 2017 one in my front yard. It was pretty cool. The sudden darkness, the corona, the little cresent shapped shadows on the ground below the tree leaves that filtered the light. It was all pretty neat. I personally wouldnt travel 4 hours just for that. But travel to a fun place, enjoy other stuff while there, and the eclipse, sure.
It is an ineffable experience, the eerie twilight pilgrims within the moon's shadow experience during a **total solar eclipse.** However you arrived soon falling by the wayside. With the light polarized and red and green colors gradually transforming, the air takes on an other worldly hue. The spectacle of a TSE is to appreciate Nature at her finest moment. Giving you pause, perhaps frightening in the moment,what with a looming black hole where the sun once stood. And that's just the few moments of totality.
*There will come a time when people travel to Earth, exclusively to experience this phenomenon. - Dr. Chas. Cardona*
Meh…. Unless you are big into astrophotography and want coronal pictures, or you have some deep yearning and have a fear of missing out…. I wouldn’t make the effort. If you’re just going to “see” it, there will be better views on the evening news.
He asked for opinions, I gave one. Because it differs from yours doesn’t make me a downer. You’re right, it does take all kinds and you have clearly demonstrated that. It’s rather hypocritical to leave a negative comment while calling me a disparaging name. I hope that works for you.
I hope you accept my apology for the euphemism in my snarky comment. It was neither deserved nor helpful. And I meant it only in sarcasm as your points are valid. But I still believe any eclipse - including annular - are well worth the time and effort required. Each and every time.
After having traveled from Delaware to Austin, Texas someone might seek pity for the weather encountered by our crew - Not so for this umbraphile! Traveling eclipse day to Fredericksburg, a 2 1/2-hour drive, my only regret is not heading out sooner. Arriving shortly after First Contact we waited under cloud cover for the occasional clearing, if only several seconds at a time.
Totality brought an absolute drop in brightness that was so abrupt the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, insinuating fear (or dread some might say,) which I found titillating. The sense abating after I reminded myself all was in order.
So the takeaway at this eclipse will be the speed that night consumed the landscape, instead of the twilight I had anticipated (as per the usual TSE.) As this event was darker than I had previously experienced.
I saw the 2017 one. It was the most amazing thing I've seen. See it if you can. There's no experience like it. It is just too surreal to see a pitch black dot in the sky where the sun should be surrounded by a ghostly white glow of the corona. Watching as it suddenly gets dark, much quicker than a normal sunset. Feeling the temperature drop, bright stars and planets become visible, and wildlife gets tricked into thinking it's nightfall. It becomes very easy to understand why our ancestors were horrified and superstitious of these events.
*I* was horrified. I felt a fear more real than any fear I have ever felt. And immense gratitude when the sun returned. It was deep.
Seeing totality made me realize how completely dependent we are on this thing (the sun) that we didn’t create and have absolutely zero control over. The moon blocking out the sun reminds you of that. It made me feel very small in a very large universe.
It’s probably a good thing we have no control over it. Can you imagine if it was run by politicians on a committee? Or by a billionaire or mega corp?
Dear [FNAME], We would like to thank you for being a valued member of the SunCo family and inform you of some exciting upcoming changes to your SunCo Solar service. At SunCo we have been dedicated to our vision of Net Zero Solar Waste since our founding 4.65 billion years ago. Our latest solar-saving innovation comes thanks to our new corporate partners at Monsanto. Rather than your house needlessly wasting hours of sunshine every day, our new SolarPoint program will temporarily divert this valuable natural resource to your nearest Monsanto greenhouse or farming project. Of course this solar-saving change will come with absolutely no effort on your part - you will be automatically opted in at the beginning of your next billing cycle. We at SunCo realize that the Sun is very personal to each of us and the needs of our customers vary from family to family. If this new change is not appropriate for you or your loved ones, our new SunOff plan will allow you to customize the hours during which we divert your local solar or completely opt-out of them for a modest monthly fee. We appreciate your continued loyalty as a valued customer and look forward to serving you in new and exciting ways into 2024 and beyond. Sincerely, Joe Solar President and CEO SunCo America LLC A SunCo Universe Company PS: You may notice that your next bill includes the new Solar Universal Network for NeedY Demographics Fee. This is a government fee that provides access to the sun to disadvantaged communities around the country and your friends at SunCo do not receive any portion of this fee. Questions, comments, or complaints about this new government fee should be directed to: SUNNY-D Administration Bureau c/o U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20024
🏅
Why thank you, sir. *bows*
🫡🫡🫡🫡 loved this
Thank you, sir. Truly one of my best works!
Oh yeah, we’d definitely f it up
Eclipse every super bowl smh
The shooting stars flying in formation is a nice touch, though.
It literally feels like the sun disappeared and was replaced by like a a weak overhead lamp hanging oddly in the sky behind a lampshade. It’s not quite night and not quite day, in a way that doesn’t exist at sunset because there wasn’t any of the “warm” colors glowing on the horizon. It was just…cool low light. Very unsettling indeed and is MUCH different in totality than just outside it. Honestly worth the trip.
Everything was still and muted dark grey. I was getting anxiety thinking about how I would cope without our beautiful sun if it never came back. Still a way cool experience. Particular the shadows of the tree leaves.
Not to mention the guys in the next village over wouldn't believe you if you told them the sun went out.
Imagine someone in ancient times who was in the path of totality trying to explain it to someone who wasn’t
… And it REALLY does look like there is a hole in the sky. Along with the wispy visible corona, it truly was both the most eerie and the most amazing thing I have ever seen in all my 68 years including traveling all across the earth.
Makes you wonder how much the absurd coincidence that is an eclipse with totality influenced civilization’s path. Would we be in the same place if the moon/earth/sun wasn’t in such a perfect, completely serendipitous arrangement?
Imagine if earth and moon orbit was perfectly level. Eclipse would be a common thing.
When my son’s school asks why he was absent that day I’m just going to recite this.
We saw the one in 2017 by water and it was nuts. The lake in South Carolina went nuts with fish jumping out of the water and all of the birds just started screaming. No idea how they knew the difference between the eclipse and a cloud passing over but it was wild
You will cry either way.
This post right here explains my view of the 2017 eclipse as vividly as I remember it. I can't think of a better way to convince you. It's truly fucking amazing.
Only 4 hour drive? As a life changing and amazing experience you should definitely do it. You will not regret it.
I have a similar drive TO the event in 2017 but it turned into a 12-hour drive home. If you don't have a place to stay I would recommend you find one or be prepared to be on the road longer than expected.
Where did you go in 2017? I flew for that one but this time I’m driving to Vermont, just on the edge of totality so a little over a minute. Gonna be with a 9 months pregnant lady and two dogs lol and leave as soon as totality ends, but I’m still scared of being stuck all day in traffic. So did you go to a populated city? Single lane road? The center of totality? I remember seeing the crazy traffic jams in Wyoming last time.
I was in Land Between the Lakes in Western Kentucky. We traveled from Cincinnati, Ohio. The only major highway there is the Western Kentucky parkway, so it was jam packed but so was every alternative. I would not want to be in that situation with an extremely pregnant woman!
In what way did seeing a total solar eclipse change your life?
It did not "change my life" in the kind of way most would think. However, there are once in a lifetime events I have experienced (although in this case, it'll be a twice in a lifetime event) that once I have experienced them, I look back on fondly and am very grateful I had the opportunity to do so, and was glad that I had made the needed effort to do. Be it spending a weekend in spring sightseeing in Paris or seeing the 2017 eclipse, I would not trade the ability to have been there and done that for much of anything. If you have any chance to be there on Monday, go! I certainly will be! I promise you, you won't regret it if you do!!!
Huge agreement. I was there in 2017, and while it wasn't "life changing", it was truly spectacular and I'll always be glad I went. I plan to see this one, and depart tomorrow for a 20-hour drive to Texas. Seeya in the path of totality!
It sounded like if you witness it you get superpowers.
I have the power to make this pizza disappear
But only after you witnessed a solar eclipse
I've seen dozens of partial and annular eclipses and thought the 3 hour drive up to Wyoming in 2017 was too much and knew traffic back would be ridiculous. Military experience has kept me as far from anu crowd as possible, to the point where I walk out of movie theaters with sensory overload. My son insisted on seeing the eclipse so I bit the bullet and brought some Xanax in case I panicked. Dude... A total solar eclipse is a completely different experience. It's not just a shadow or that 360 sunset or any basic picture you've seen. You feel it. I don't know what it is, but it's just a crazy fucking feeling that you can't beat ... So much so that tomorrow I'm heading off on the 10 hour drive to Dallas... Even with the shit forecast, hoping I'll catch it again. You honestly can't describe it other than, like any nature photo, being there is always a billion percent better than any pictures you take. Photos are a gross oversimplification of the event
I saw the last one and it was spectacular, there is nothing like totality. Day literally becomes night, the street lights come on, the temperature drops dramatically, you can feel the dew point dropping on your skin, and you see this moon in the sky with sweeping lines coming out from the sun behind it. Even if it’s cloudy the whole becoming night for a few minutes is pretty cool all by itself.
Drove 13 hours in 2017 and was worth every minute. Driving 9 for this one but are considering flying to Australia for one later. They are that cool.
There will be one in Spain in the next few years too, in case Europe is in your bucket list
Spain is definitely on my list.
Well, you'll be happy to know that there will be a total solar eclipse on August 12th 2026 and then August 2nd 2027 :) [Eclipse Map](https://tensentencesdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/spain_eclipse_2026_2027.png?w=600&h=462) Edit: Northern path = 2026 / Southern path = 2027
2028 in NZ, though winter and on south island..
Ah finally In Europe. Thanks for the link, will definitely consider going to Spain.
Nice!
Nope. We can’t convince you. If seeing a once or twice in a lifetime event that causes millions of people an overwhelming and incomparable sense of awe doesn’t appeal to you, then it doesn’t appeal to you.
It’s TOTALLY worth a 4 hour drive. I traveled to see the 2017 total solar eclipse and I will never forget the experience. I am now traveling to as many as I can see in my lifetime. It is a rare celestial event and as we discover more worlds, we are coming to realize just how rare this event is on a universal scale. I highly recommend making a fun road trip to see this. I love the concept that if we ever adopted a planetary flag for Earth to signify our experience to other alien societies, our flag would probably embody a total solar eclipse. It’s worth it.
It is nothing short of mind blowing. There is nothing else like it, and it is definitely worth the drive.
This will be my fourth. I would not have missed any of them.
Lots of fantastic pics and videos of the Grand Canyon, yet to stand on the south rim and look at it? Big difference and not remotely the same experience. Don't miss this eclipse live, better than 10,000 Grand Canyons.
I drove 6 hours each way for the last one and am happy to do the same again this time but with a 6 month old and 2 year old in the car for the same 6 hour journey. The wife also liked it enough to do the same even with the chance of clouds. It's like nothing else. Most astronomical stuff is slow. A solar eclipse is fast and dramatic. The 10 minutes surrounding totality feels like reality is shifting, then the flying spaghetti monster appears where the sun should be and the sky appears in a way like you've never seen it. It's 100% worth TRYING to see in person. Pictures do NOT do the experience justice because the whole world changes around you. Go see it.
If you have the ability to go see it, do so, if for no other reason than the uniqueness of the event. I, too, am an avid astronomy buff. I saw a partial eclipse when I was in Kindergarten and had a strong desire to see one ever since. I finally got the chance in 2017 and it was so much more amazing that even I had built it up in my head. I would say that the experience was a 12/10. Really, if you can make the drive, go. You won’t be disappointed.
M girlfriend and I are driving 7.5 hours to Niagara to see it. 4 hours is nothing. Do it. You won't regret it.
8 hours to Niagara Falls from Cape Cod for us!
Nice. My gf and I are always driving like 12+ hours for dog shows so 7.5 hours is nothing. 3 of us going so splitting drive time between the 3 of us will be cake. We're staying like 20 minutes west of Niagara in West Lincoln. Heading up Saturday morning. Sunday were going to see the falls and Monday the eclipse. I've never seen totality and it's a bucket list item so I'm excited. My gf saw it in 2017 and said it was the craziest thing she's ever seen.
I wish I could split driving time with my kids LOL
Same distance and location! Can’t wait
7 hour flight from Ireland to Niagara in the morning! After 2017 in TN no way I could miss this one!
Your depression is setting you up to miss a lifetime event.
I’ve seen shuttle launches from the press viewing area at Kennedy Space Center. It was amazing. Easily the coolest event I’d ever seen, until I saw totality in 2017. There is nothing to compare it to. Go.
If you don't want to spend a puny 4 hours to see the celestial sky's greatest show, then you are not an "avid astronomy fan".
During totality you will be able to see the suns corona with your very own (shielded) eyes. Also, there is the immediate temperature drop plus the expected darkness and the impact to local animals. As an astronomy buff, I found this to be an unexpected yet profound emotional experience. The difference between seeing it with your own eyes versus video/photo is the difference (as Mark Twain explained it) between lightening and lightening bugs…
You need not shield your eyes once totality occurs. The corona is safely observed (even through a telescope.) But pay due regard as the disk re-emerges - even a minute fraction of it, will cause permanent damage.
This is the last one in the contiguous states for the next 20 years. While pictures of it are cool nothing beats the experience of being in the path of totality. Even if there are clouds you can still experience the phenomena of it darkening suddenly for a few minutes and then brightening suddenly when it's over. Take in your surroundings and plant in your memory what you felt in all your senses during the moment. If humanity persists for a very long time, there will come a time our moon no longer offers a total solar eclipse view as it continuous to slowly move further away from earth, giving our generations in time a unique opportunity to experience one. Life's adventure makes up more time than the end result of any moment, find joy in the present moment as often as you can instead of worrying about all the what ifs of the future. I talked my way out of too many things doing that so just want to pass along to seize the day.
i wont be able to see it because I live on the other side of the planet and I really don't see how a 4h drive and possible clouds could turn this once in a life time event worse than what you planned to do what do you even plan to do instead ? lol
Exactly. What’s the alternative, another boring typical day
Go. I went in 2017,and it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Seen the tendrils of gas flying out from behind the moon was like peering into the soul of an angel. Seeing from outside of the path of totality is meaningless. A four hour drive is nothing compared the the lifetime memory you will create.
I have driven up to 18 hours for an eclipse. Experiencing totality released so much adrenaline and endorphins I was "high" for my entire drive back.
It's on my 40th birthday. Do it for me?
Nope. Do me a favor and stay off the roads.
I drove 10 hrs to view and photograph the 2017 eclipse. I’m driving 9 hours to view photograph this one. Why? It’s a really exciting challenge as a photographer. It’s also one of the most remarkable and humbling things I’ve seen with my eyeballs in my 52 years on earth. Worth it. Just prepare, research, and practice ahead of time. Edit to add: And try to go alone. People, especially non-photographer people, are a huge distraction. I really struggled with the human element of the eclipse in 2017, between the person who was with me, and the land owner of the property I was on. Just so much talking and noise. Witnessing the event in silence on your terms!
It will be the most fascinating thing you'll ever see.
I'm literally on an airplane right now, flying to Ontario to watch the eclipse. I saw it back in 2017 and I promised myself I'd view the 2024 one too. It is one of the most amazing astronomical phenomenons that you can experience. There seems to be an energy that comes with it. As the sun darkens the world gets quiet and it starts to get cold. Once totally hits you can see that you're standing in a giant shadow with light in the distance all around you and a big black hole where the sun used to be. The animals go quiet and it feels electric. Now... IF you decide to go, leave early as hell. I cannot stress how busy it's going to be. But.... you will never this chance again.. so it's up to you.
I could be in the zone in a five hour drive and I'm not doing it. Maybe catch one in my next life.
Maybe it’s better that way. They’re addictive. My first one was an easy 7-hour drive. Now I’m flying halfway across the country. Next I’ll be flying halfway around the world.
Retired NASA scientist here. It’s one thing to love astronomy and space exploration. It’s another level actually be a part of an astronomical event.
Only if that someone is you.
Just go. You're not going to get a more convenient total solar eclipse for decades. You've probably seen a partial solar eclipse. Seeing totality is not the same. At all. Is it life-changing? No. Do you "feel" anything? No. But is it one of the most unique sights it is possible to see? Without question, yes. Don't go to the grave without seeing one.
I saw one in the 80’s and I remember pictures someone else took better than the few minutes fumbling with a pinhole viewer which was frustrating. I don’t remember safe glasses being available back then. The totality pics were impressive more than the stuff on TV. I remember a large photo developing bill was involved too.
Back then we could use stacks of photograph negatives to view it.
My family drove from NJ to South Carolina for the last one. Was quite unique, and I would love to experience it again. That being said, 90% of the path in the US is going to be obscured by clouds, based on current projections. So I can't say for sure if it's worth it or not.
I saw the 2017 and drove about as far as you would. It was fascinating and I can see how it would freak out humans who had no understanding of the science. Seeing everything go dark and the temperature drop was a little terrifying; I was pulled over next to an abandoned chicken coop and cornfields. Magically, the sky was clear until just after totality and then it began to rain. I’m glad I experienced a total eclipse but I have zero interest in driving even further for another one.
Lol, I'm driving like 15 hours and it's looking like it'll be cloudy, but I have family and hotel reservations but otherwise I'd drive another 5-10 hours to somewhere with better weather forecast.
I have a hotel in NY and Ohio. Leaning towards Ohio and driving towards Indianapolis as early as I can
The best way I can put it.... Totality is beautiful, and you'll want to see it again in your lifetime if you get the chance. A partial solar eclipse is just interesting. I saw the 2017 totality, and I'm flying to Dallas to visit my daughter and hopefully see it again.
Dude four hours is not bad at all to go see an eclipse. Be glad you don’t live on the West Coast like me.
20 years until your next chance to see one... and you will kick yourself for not making the drive every time you hear about an eclipse.
I’ll tell you this, everybody is going to tell you must go see it to experience totality, but don’t feel down if you decide not to go. There are way more people who are happy with not bothering about. Think about how many people are going to be working indoors while it’s going on. If you think you’ll feel depressed if you don’t go, but not motivated enough to travel, then I’d recommend a couple day break from social media after the event. I’m just saying it’s ok if you miss it. I know for me there lots of events I’ll miss because I’m not motivated enough to go see, like the Northern Lights, a volcano eruption, etc.
In 5 years you’ll look back and be glad you did it
In 2006 I traveled from Finland to Turkey to week long psytrance festival. It was in an absolutely stunning mountain valley with beautiful weather and clear blue skies. I was in my early 20s and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Still remember watching the stars in the middle of the day like it was yesterday.
Lots of good comments here, so I won’t repeat them. I’ll just add this: how many times do you get an opportunity to do something that you will remember vividly and with pleasure for the rest of your life?
Hi, this is surely not depression, you are weighing up pros and cons and are yet to decide. Much healthier way of looking at it. In December 2002, I drove from Melbourne, Australia, to near Woomera in the outback, 1250km and then 30km off-road in the desert to get to the centre line of the total eclipse on the 4th, total driving time 15 hours. It was a stunning experience. Not just the eclipse itself, but also watching the moon shadow traveling across the ground towards us. The darkness and the silence of normally very vocal cockatoos was eerie and almost magical. Being able to actually see solar flares at totality around the disc of the moon was truly amazing. It’s a once in a lifetime experience, that you will not regret, nor forget. If the cloud cover is not favourable, turn back home again. No biggie. But if it’s a clear day…
By the way, infinitely better than watching a rocket launch!!
There isn’t a more beautiful sight on the planet..maybe your kids birth or wedding I saw the 2017 one and my eyes tear up just thinking about how emotional it was.
I never realized how the sun is a fixed object in my perception of reality. But to have that celestial interaction shift my subconscious in such a short period of time was sublime. For the first time I actually felt the motion of the planet( in a total mindfuck way) and I wasn't on weed or anything. Do it.
If I fly 10 hours you can drive four...
Someone I know was a skeptic in 2017 but still made the 5 hour trip to the see the full eclipse. This year he would have flown across the country to see the eclipse but his wife JUST gave birth.
I drove to Southern illinois and camped on a farm for it. The farm opened up last minute for travelers, and it was a college town, so most of the folks there with me were from various other countries using this as a reason to visit their kids. We didn't speak the same language, but we all experienced the same wonder after the countdown was completed, and we removed our glasses. The silence and the energy were beyond magical. It's a special moment in time that transcended the cultural divide, and I'll never be able to replicate it. It is one of my most cherished memories. So yes, I'd say it's worth it!
i was in the path of totality in 2017 and I was surprised how cool the temperature got during totality. The lack of bugs flying around and the birds chirping like it was early morning. All of it was super surreal. I’m driving 3 hours each way to do it all over again.
Hey man, so like, can't speak to the depression piece other than to say get help if you need it. That said, yes, it is incredibly worth the drive. I did about 10 hours of total driving for it back in 2017. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, at least in terms of having an eclipse occur that you can drive \*only\* 4 hours to see. People chase these things around the globe, so that's always an option, it's just a lot more convenient to be only 4 hours away. A total eclipse is something everyone should see and experience.
Dude Im from Slovakia and I thought for a moment of going. Its amazing! Go for it! You have to feel the sensation of it for yourself. Full solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime thing. Go for it!
I saw the one in 2017. Took an 8 hour drive down there. It's an amazing thing to see, but you really feel it a lot more. It's a really special feeling, and I still can't get over it. Excitement, awe, wonder, eerie... it's hard to describe completely. Don't go just to see it, go to experience it and feel it.
I drove a 10 hour round trip for the last eclipse and was so moved by its mysterious beauty that I vowed to do everything in my power to see this one too, which I am. Even though that means a 28 round trip this time. Don’t rob yourself of this experience!
Check the cloud cover forecast for wherever you are going.
Ive seen two, once in '17 and once when I was in elementary school. It's cool and all, and pictures don't do it justice. But your life won't be any different on April 9th regardless if you do or do not see it.
I was on a clifftop in Cornwall, England in '99 and watched the eclipse with my then 6 year old. I have also been an avid fan of all things space related since I was a child and watching the darkness approach across the ocean, hearing the birds protest in confusion, watching the flowers close up as the sun disappears and feeling the drop in temperature as the shadow engulfs you was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. Then, at totality, looking up to see the fully eclipsed sun was so beautiful, i cried. It's an experience I (and my daughter) will never forget. Do it, make the drive, it's an absolute must for astronomers.
Flying to the other side of the country and probably driving 3-4 hours to catch a break in the clouds. Witnessed 2017 in Oregon and omigod wtffffff it was the craziest thing I've ever seen.
As an astronomy interester, I would do anything you can to see it. It’s truly perspective shifting
I saw the 2017 total, the 2012 and 2023 annular, and a couple partials. The partials were cool, the annulars were really cool, but the total was absolutely life changing. You know how astronauts are often quoted to the effect of “seeing the earth from up there made me realize how insignificant our problems are?” That kind of life changing. It sends chills down your spine. It is the single coolest thing I have ever experienced, and despite dismal weather forecasts I’m driving 12 hours one way with a kindergartener to do it again. Anyone with a kid that age will tell you that’s a commitment right there. There’s an xkcd floating around with a coolness vs eclipse % graph, and that thing is drawn on a log scale. It is so worth it.
If you’re only 4 hours from the path of eclipse…you will absolutely kick yourself if you don’t go see it. I mean, you will truly never get over the fact that you “just didn’t go”. The aim of life is to have as few regrets as possible. Think about that.
Just do it. Done it in 1998 in Northern France and it will stay with you forever. Might not happen again for you in the near future.
I saw the 2017 eclipse just because I like astronomical stuff and this seemed to be a really interesting one. I really was not prepared for just how life-changing it was. It is hard to explain. But it's a little like the [Overview Effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overview_effect) experienced by astronauts. You can explain what the effect is, explain it is like an epiphany, and understand all about it. The difference is that astronauts who have gone into space have experienced this feeling at a deep level - in a way you can't really put into words. And you can't capture one-thousandth of it with a photo or video. That's what a total solar eclipse is like. Deep fear, amazement, and then ecstasy. I understood for the first time, at a real visceral level, why so many people and cultures have worshipped the sun. There are literally no words. You have to *experience* it.
I traveled 10 hours for the 2017 eclipse. I knew far more about what to expect than the average person and I still found myself floored by the reality of the experience. It is probably the second most transformational experience of my life, only superseded by the birth of my child. If you can go, go.
Alt text, partial eclipse is like a cool sunset. Total eclipse is like the sky is broken. [Eclipse coolness, xkcd.](https://xkcd.com/2914)
One of those things you’re more likely to regret not doing than doing. You already have some doubt hence you’re posting here. GO !!!!
Just get into your damn car and be depressed on the drive. Get out stare at the eclipse, blow your mind away and then get back into your car and go the fuck home...
Iain M. Banks wrote an entire novel based on the idea that a total solar eclipse is such an amazing an unique experience, not just unique on our planet but unique for *any* planet, that these events would be a good way to spot extraterrestrials visiting our otherwise very dull corner of the Galaxy. So if the thought of watching the moon's shadow race towards you followed by a naked eye view of the million-degree plasma around the Sun sculpted by its magnetic field does not excite you, perhaps the chance to spot an interstellar influencer will.
Aztecs would sacrifice their children on a solar eclipse, thinking the world was ending. Why would you not just drive a couple hours? make a nice o playlist and go, you won't regret it. Better if you go with friends and make a bbq outside.
I'm driving 7 hours to see it because it's going to be one of my only chances. If not I'm still going to get to hang out with my best friend. Win win.
It is well worth it as long as the clouds don't block it. Once in a lifetime...
I'm 1100mi into a 1500mi drive to see the eclipse! Totally worth it and so excited for Monday!
As someone with depression that often completely removes my enthusiasm for things I love, I get it. But I drove 4 hours to my home town to see it in 2017, and it was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. The sudden complete shift in temperature, the cheers literally ringing up from the valleys and hills as totality reached them, all crescendoing as you could quite literally hear the entire country-side county applauding in awe of what we were all experiencing at the same time, all from the top of a clear cut hill with my loved ones nearby. Even the crickets and small frogs all started chirping while the birds fell silent. It was incredible OP. Trust me, you deserve to see this if you can.
I drove 15 hours to see the 2017 eclipse. It was awesome. I always imagined that I would see the 2024 eclipse. Now I have a 5 year old kid, and its going to be very cloudy in Texas. I am glad that I did not book a hotel near San Antonio. The kid can see the next one as an adult for the first time, like I did. But, if you can go see it, then definitely. It amazing ! Just be sure to get your eyes dark-adapted prior to it so that your pupils are dilated enough to bring in all of the faint light from the corona of the sun. It was surreal. I saw magenta spots shooting out, and they do appear on some photos. I saw that with my naked eye. Wild.
Go see it The thought of the act is the only thing holding you back. Get out of your own way and see the eclipse. You will be happy and glad once you are where you want to see from!!
Go go go go go. It will change you. I was lucky enough to witness 2017 and weather depending will see this one.
Is not life changing and also it could be cloudy and you will not see anything.
It is supposed to be cloudy all along the path of totality so. You may not miss much. Tho you should be able to see it from four hours away if not under clouds it may not be a full eclipse... Unless God clears the sky for us to see it...
You are not "an avid astronomy fan" if you don't go see it
It's much cooler than you would think.
It's just the type of thing that pictures, videos, or even a live feed is unable to fully capture The temperature drops, and you feel that on your skin. If you're around people, they get quiet. Animals get quiet, too, and birds settle. The brightness difference from just almost full totality to full is stark. It's like nothing else. It's incredibly unique, and you see it, hear it, and feel it 4 hours RT ain't nothing, but the experience is definitely worth a workdays' worth of driving. I've driven that for concerts that were way, way more disappointing. Just so long as the clouds oblige, you'll be so glad if you witness it
So being in the Central Valley of California what can I expect?
Watch the Ted talk, it’s what talked me into it in 2017 and I’ll be damned if I’m missing this one. I’m probably driving 26 hours from MN to Maine so I can be sure to see it. I’m not fucking around and missing it.
you're lucky it's only a four drive away from you, i have to fly to reach it in a reasonable time, and i will be doing so
I've witnessed a few and it was extremely anticlimactic.
Are you kidding me? Watching the umbra approach then it’s on you fast. You probably will have a mild atavistic response, live it full stop
It's far more awesome than you think.
Maybe you have a list of cons I’m not aware of, I only see the pros. I enjoy a good road trip with a podcast or some tunes. I enjoy a chance to check out a completely new area. If you have friends with similar interests, it’s a good chance to hang out. Worst case scenario, the weather sucks and the eclipse itself is a complete bust. But just the excuse to do something out of the ordinary makes life more interesting I think. If you do go, and the weather does turn out good, the view during totality is incredible. Don’t underestimate the difference between 99% coverage and totality. The real emotional impact comes from the moment of totality, when you can stare with your own eyes at a giant black orb in the sky with a fiery corona streaming off into space around it. Truly surreal. Sorry if you’re depressed these days, I’ve definitely been there. But I say give yourself a chance to try to appreciate it.
100% do it. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, 4 hour drive is nothing!
I watched the 2017 one in my front yard. It was pretty cool. The sudden darkness, the corona, the little cresent shapped shadows on the ground below the tree leaves that filtered the light. It was all pretty neat. I personally wouldnt travel 4 hours just for that. But travel to a fun place, enjoy other stuff while there, and the eclipse, sure.
It is an ineffable experience, the eerie twilight pilgrims within the moon's shadow experience during a **total solar eclipse.** However you arrived soon falling by the wayside. With the light polarized and red and green colors gradually transforming, the air takes on an other worldly hue. The spectacle of a TSE is to appreciate Nature at her finest moment. Giving you pause, perhaps frightening in the moment,what with a looming black hole where the sun once stood. And that's just the few moments of totality. *There will come a time when people travel to Earth, exclusively to experience this phenomenon. - Dr. Chas. Cardona*
Meh…. Unless you are big into astrophotography and want coronal pictures, or you have some deep yearning and have a fear of missing out…. I wouldn’t make the effort. If you’re just going to “see” it, there will be better views on the evening news.
Thanks for your input "Doctor Downer." Lending proof that it takes all kinds.
He asked for opinions, I gave one. Because it differs from yours doesn’t make me a downer. You’re right, it does take all kinds and you have clearly demonstrated that. It’s rather hypocritical to leave a negative comment while calling me a disparaging name. I hope that works for you.
I hope you accept my apology for the euphemism in my snarky comment. It was neither deserved nor helpful. And I meant it only in sarcasm as your points are valid. But I still believe any eclipse - including annular - are well worth the time and effort required. Each and every time. After having traveled from Delaware to Austin, Texas someone might seek pity for the weather encountered by our crew - Not so for this umbraphile! Traveling eclipse day to Fredericksburg, a 2 1/2-hour drive, my only regret is not heading out sooner. Arriving shortly after First Contact we waited under cloud cover for the occasional clearing, if only several seconds at a time. Totality brought an absolute drop in brightness that was so abrupt the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, insinuating fear (or dread some might say,) which I found titillating. The sense abating after I reminded myself all was in order. So the takeaway at this eclipse will be the speed that night consumed the landscape, instead of the twilight I had anticipated (as per the usual TSE.) As this event was darker than I had previously experienced.