Solar Eclipse

[drew890]

My pilot friend uses this site.

https://www.theweather.com/casper-ci...?d=second-week

https://www.theweather.com/scottsblu...?d=second-week

Yeah, that link that you provided shows that it will be clear and sunny with no rain from 9am through 6pm everyday...

[Eric P]

It has changed. Long range weather prediction...

[JohnTRourke]

You guys are so cute.

They can't predict the weather this afternoon and you think they can do it 10 days from now?

[RblDiver]

You guys are so cute.

They can't predict the weather this afternoon and you think they can do it 10 days from now?

Fair point, though I think that technology has improved to the point where the weather predictions (when you're closer to the actual date) are within reason. Like, if they predict rain, it'll probably be cloudy at a minimum, that sort of thing.

[Ridge]

You guys are so cute.

They can't predict the weather this afternoon and you think they can do it 10 days from now?

Word. 3 days out is the farthest I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. I'll check Saturday to see what the forecast is.

[68Charger]

I'll be interested in how this plays out for small towns in the path... since the next total solar eclipse to hit North America on Apr 8, 2024 will be 100% over Canton at one point...

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoog...08Tgoogle.html

[davsel]

I got to see the one in 1984 when I was in Houston, TX. The thing I remember most was the change in the shadows on the ground - their were two separate shadows on top of each other and slightly offset - weird.

Here's an article on hotel prices in the path: http://captaincapitalism.blogspot.co...ane-hotel.html

Good luck to those traveling for a better view.

Also, make sure your kids don't burn their eyeballs

As an Optometrist , I want to express concern that I have about the solar eclipse on Monday, Aug 21. There are serious risks associated with viewing a solar eclipse directly, even with the use of solar filter glasses. Everyone should keep in mind if they or their children are considering this.

We have to keep in mind that some people will encounter the inability to control every aspect of this exercise. For instance, true solar eclipse glasses are made for adults, do not fit children well and should not be used without direct parental supervision. If the solar glasses do not filter out 100% of the harmful UV rays, if they are not used absolutely perfectly, or should there be a manufacturing defect in any of them, this will result in permanent and irreversible vision loss for any eye exposed. Just like sunburn to the skin, the effects are not felt or noticed immediately. I have a great fear that I will have patients in my office on Tuesday, Aug 22 who woke up with hazy, blurry vision that I cannot fix. It is a huge risk to watch the eclipse even with the use of solar glasses. There is no absolutely safe way to do so other than on TV.

The biggest danger with children is ensuring proper use without direct parental supervision. As the eclipse passes over many places, including Columbus, the moon will not block 100% of the sun. Because so much of its light is blocked by the moon, if one looks at it without full protection, it does not cause pain as looking at the sun does on a regular day. Normally if you try to look at the sun, it physically hurts and you can’t see anything. During an eclipse, however, it is easier to stare for a bit….and even less than 30 seconds of exposure to a partially eclipsed sun, you can burn a blind spot right to your most precious central vision. With solar glasses you can’t see ANYTHING except the crescent of light of the sun. Kids could have a tendency to want to peak around the filter to see what is actually going on up there. One failure, just one, where education and supervision fail, will have such a devastating consequence.

[ray1970]

I vaguely remember one when I was in grade school. Probably 1978 or 79.

It was weird. Almost like right before sunrise or right after sunset.

[BladesNBarrels]

"On April 8, 2024 some of the best viewing areas for this rare and mesmerizing astronomical event will cut right through the Lone Star State. A total solar eclipse will run nearly straight through the Alamo City skies and through the middle half of Texas. "

Time to make reservations near the Alamo, watch the eclipse from there and then head to the River Walk for the people viewing!

[Brian]

Headed out this weekend to NE. Planning to stay with family overnight, and then head back West to see the show somewhere in between North Platte and Broken Bow. I'm hoping if we leave right after, we'll beat most of the people headed back West leaving from Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, Lincoln, etc. I was originally planning on heading out Sunday, but I'm hearing a lot of people telling me to come Saturday instead if I don't want to end up in a parking lot. Hoping it's worth 12 hours in the car for 2.5 mins...