April 2024 - Even More About the Eclipse

From the time I learned that we live so close to the projected path of next Monday's solar eclipse, I admit that I completely geeked out about it.  I ordered a "Great American Eclipse Field Guide" several months ago and have been bringing the subject up with just about anyone who listens (or politely pretends to).  Even over a year ago, I started inviting friends and family up for the event.  

Worried about shortages, I purchased a 10-pack of eclipse-viewing sunglasses a couple of months ago, only to find that our town's public library and even my dentist's office have been giving them out for free.  Better to be prepared.  

Our entire region has been preparing for the influx of visitors, comparing the potential highway scene to that of the final Vermont Phish concert in August of 2004 (click picture for story).

Vermont I-91 in 2004: Parking for the Phish concert

Schools will be closing early, and the locals are being advised to stay off of the interstates leading up to, during, and immediately after the event.

Most cities, museums, and ski areas in the path are observing with full day celebrations.  Being just outside the path of totality (see red arrow on map below), we only have to drive a few miles to experience the full eclipse.  Our plan is to drive over to Sugarbush ski area (purple arrow) to spend the day at their viewing party.

One of the concerns in Vermont and the rest of the north country is that it is still mud season, a fragile time for vegetation along our hiking trails and paths, considering the droves of adventurers intending to experience the eclipse from upper elevations.  Our large network of unpaved roads may also present a challenge to out-of-staters not used to driving in the mud.   

Road and trail conditions may be exacerbated by the multi-day storm being predicted over the next several days (Weather.com), but fortunately it looks like Monday itself will be a relatively mild and partly sunny day.

But what about the rest of you that live in points south - Massachusetts, Connecticut, and even Florida?  Not to despair - even as far south as Orlando, you will experience a 50% black out of the sun at just after 3 PM.  Click HERE for details for your area, and for more background about the eclipse.

While the skies may not go completely dark for you, and if you don't have a pair of special sunglasses handy, you can still get a sense of the eclipse by viewing the shape of the moon's shadow projected onto a piece of paper through any small hole.  During the partial eclipse of August 2017, I took out my old colander to capture the picture below.

For that matter, any dappled sunlight will take on the sun's shape, as in this picture of tree leaf shadows on pavement from that same event. 

                               

Earth & Sky news posted some pointers for those of you who are interested in photographing the eclipse: CLICK HERE.

If, on the other hand, weather or distance or any other unforeseen circumstances cause you to miss Monday's solar/lunar display, rest assured that there will be plenty of coverage on the news that evening.  In the meantime, you can experience a bird's eye view of the path at THIS LINK.   And remember this advice: