On Aug. 21, a historic event will take place across our nation, and each of us has a chance to be a part of that history. The Aug. 21st total solar eclipse will be visible from the contiguous United States for the first time since 1979. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between earth and the sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the sun on Earth. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the sun’s, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness. Totality occurs in a narrow path across Earth’s surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over many surrounding miles.
During this eclipse, the moon’s shadow will be going from coast-to-coast across the United States, a distance of nearly 2,500 miles — at a speed of 1,600 mph — about three times faster than a commercial jetliner. Though only those within a narrow, 70-mile strip will be able to see the total eclipse. Those states with limited total eclipse viewing include Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
The last time an eclipse like this crossed the United States was the total solar eclipse of June 8, 1918, which crossed the country from Washington State to Florida. This path is roughly similar to this year’s total solar eclipse and was the last time totality crossed the nation from the Pacific to the Atlantic.
The next total solar eclipse visible from the United States will occur on Apr. 8, 2024.
The moon’s dark shadow will cut diagonally across the Show-Me State between 1:04 and 1:22 p.m.
For more information about what time the best view of the eclipse will be in your area, please go to: www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in.html. Please be sure to protect your eyes while watching the eclipse. Safety tips, along with information on safety glasses can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/content/eye-safety-during-a-total-solar-eclipse.
Very Sincerely,
Robert F. (Bob) Onder