From the Pacific Northwest to the shores of South Carolina, Americans will be donning funky specs and scanning the skies for the solar eclipse on Monday, August 21st of this year. The last time the moon passed between the Earth and the sun, creating a solar eclipse, was 1918.
For most in the country, we’ll see about a 50% to 80% eclipse of the sun by the moon. But, if you are anywhere near the route these two celestial bodies will take as they cross the country in this stunning astronomical show, it is well worth a few hours or even a day’s drive to see “totality” – the complete blockage of the sun’s bright face by the moon. During this time, lasting only about 2 ½ minutes, one of nature’s most amazing sights will be visible: the sun’s corona.
But be sure to wear the proper eyewear. Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause damage to your eyes, and dark sunglasses won’t help. Without special filters, damage to the retina can occur and result in blindness, so take heed and wear the proper glasses. This rule applies to everyone throughout the eclipse, whether you are chasing it across the country, or sauntering into your backyard for a peek.
Follow this timetable and the path of the eclipse to plan the location where you want to be when totality occurs and the day eerily turns into night.
Salem, OR at 10:17:21 AM (Pacific Daylight Time)
Jackson, WY at 11:34:56 AM (Mountain Daylight Time)
Casper, WY at 11:42:40 AM (Mountain Daylight Time)
Lincoln, NE at 1:02:36 PM (Central Daylight Time)
Kansas City, MO at 1:08:52 PM (Central Daylight Time)
Jefferson City, MO at 1:13:06 PM (Central Daylight Time)
Nashville, TN at 1:27:21 PM (Central Daylight Time)
Greenville, SC at 2:38:03 PM (Eastern Daylight Time)
Charleston, SC at 2:46:22 PM (Eastern Daylight Time)
For help planning your route, finding a great place to stay, or renting a car to take in this amazing sight, contact All Star Travel today. Join our free travel club and receive exclusive deals just for our members! We promise to provide top-shelf customer service, and to make every trip you take simpler, more affordable, and more enjoyable. And be sure to check our blog regularly for travel hacks, unusual destinations and more!