Where To Spot The Great American Eclipse In 10 US States
Tonight, while we Aussies are sleeping soundly, a total solar eclipse will stretch across the entire US – coast-to-coast – for the first time since 1979. The natural phenomenon is expected to make an unreal display, with much of the continent having the opportunity to see the moon pass in front of the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface (weather-permitting, of course).
While most of those currently gallivanting across the US should be able to catch a glimpse from pretty much anywhere, the most stunning views will fall within what NASA’s dubbed the path of totality, where the sun will be completely obscured by the moon. Check out 10 of the best below.
[listicle]Lincoln Beach, Oregon
Where: 150km southwest of Portland, Oregon.
State’s duration of totality: 2 minutes, 4 seconds, beginning at 10:19am PDT.
Lincoln Beach, the small coastal community where Oregon and the world’s largest ocean meet, is set to be one of the most sought-after viewpoints. As an added bonus, it’s the perfect place for a post-eclipse stroll along the sand.
Image: tdfugere/ pixabay
Snake River Plain, Ashton Idaho
Where: 85km southwest of Ashton, Idaho.
State’s duration of totality: 2 minutes, 18 seconds, beginning at 11:33am MDT.
The Snake River Plain stretches 650km wide, covering around a quarter of the state of Idaho. Major volcanic buttes dot the area, known for its clear skies and stunning desolate surrounds.
Image: Bureau of Land Management / Flickr
Hogadon Ski Basin, Casper, Wyoming
Where: 18km south of Casper, Wyoming.
State’s duration of totality: 2 minutes, 26 seconds, beginning at 11:42am MDT.
Wyoming’s second-biggest city is home to some stunning spots for marvelling at the solar eclipse (and all manner of other natural wonders), but none are as impressive as the Hogadon Ski Basin. Once enveloped in total darkness, eclipse-gazers may see the still-illuminated peaks of the Bighorn Mountain ranges – 120km to the north. Plus, breakfast burritos are on offer for hungry spectators.
Image: eclipsecasper.com
Sandhills of western Nebraska
Where: Just a short drive north of North Platte, Nebraska.
State’s duration of totality: 2 minutes, 30 seconds, beginning at 11:49am MDT.
The sandhills of western Nebraska, famous for their favourable weather conditions, dark skies and broad horizons, span across 50,000 square kilometres, and making them one of the best solar-eclipse vantage spots in the US.
Image: eclipsecasper.com
Evergreen Park, Carbondale, Illinois
(Image: Carbondale Park District)
Where: 1205 West Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale.
State’s duration of totality: 2 minutes, 41 seconds, beginning at 1:20pm CDT.
The picturesque Evergreen Park in Carbondale, Illinois, boasts hiking tracks, fishing spots and incredibly clear skies.
Kentucky Dam, Gilbertsville, Kentucky
Where: Just north of the mouth of Tennessee River, on the county line between Livingston and Marshall counties.
State’s duration of totality: 2 minutes 41.2 seconds, beginning at 1:24pm CDT.
National Parks officials in charge of Kentucky Dam have invited viewers to view the eclipse from its wall. On top of a truly tranquil location, there’ll be an outdoor screening of E.T, kayak demos and astronomy activities on offer. Best eclipse ever!
Image: Wikipedia Commons
Adventure Science Centre, Nashville, Tennessee
Where: 800 Fort Negley Boulevard, Nashville.
State’s duration of totality: 1 minute, 57 seconds, beginning at 1:27pm CDT.
Nashville’s science centre is throwing a free eclipse viewing party, featuring science, music and art activities with over 80 different hands-on activities.
Image: Krista Barnes via Adventure Science Centre / Facebook
Black Rock Mountain, Georgia
Where: 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Mountain City, Georgia.
State’s duration of totality: 2 minutes, 38 seconds, beginning at 2:37pm EDT.
The heavily wooded park situated in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountain range offers the state’s highest peaks, making it a beautiful, nature-filled vantage point for the eclipse.
Image: Carl Black / Flickr
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Where: 60km southeast of Knoxville, Tennessee.
State’s duration of totality: 1 minute, 17 seconds, beginning at 2:35pm EDT.
The entire western half of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will fall under the path of totality for the eclipse, providing incredible opportunities for viewing. Three locations in the park make the perfect vantage point: Clingmans Dome Cades Cove, and Oconaluftee.
Image: Visit My Smokies
Lake Murray Dam, Columbia, South Carolina
Where: 15km west of Columbia, South Carolina, on the Saluda River.
State’s duration of totality: 2 minutes, 30 seconds, beginning at 2:43pm EDT.
Lake Murray Dam, also known as Saluda Dam will be the largest viewing area in the state. There will be plenty of activities on offer during the day, in a surrounds boasting clear skies and stunning water views.
Image: Scott Oves / Flickr
[/listicle]Remember, when you’re all set to sit back and enjoy the spectacle, be sure you have the correct protective eyewear.