Trip planning
We can basically assume that we will definitely not be the only ones to set off on the journey at the beginning of April.
It is a unique natural spectacle that will next be visible from US soil in 2033 (Alaska and Russia) and 2044 (Greenland, Canada and the United States).
In addition to the 31 million Americans currently living inside the path of totality, another4-5 million people will make their way to the path of totality. In any case, it makes sense and is extremely important to plan well in advance. Try booking a room in Panama City Beach in mid-March just one week in advance?
Anyway, we both got lucky and got a small apartment near Austin, TX.
This will be our starting point to explore the area and find the right place to set up our equipment.
Two flights had to be booked to get us from Minneapolis, MN and Birmingham, AL to Austin TX.
Here, too, we had to hurry. The "shadow seekers" mentioned above will not all be traveling by car.
Media, filmmakers, photographers and reporters from all over the world will be making the journey.
Since the weather in Texas or Mexico in April is usually better than in Vermont or Ohio, most of the travelers will head south.
However.
Book room - check
Book flight - check
Reserve a rental car - check
Brett and I should be set for now. …and we are both very excited.
But, you don't necessarily have to travel across the States to see the solar eclipse.
You can also see the eclipse in my home town of Jasper, AL. Although, not be completely darkened like during a total eclipse, the moon will cover almost 90% of the sun.
The show in Jasper will start at 12:45 PM on Monday, April 8th. The peak will then be reached at around 2:00 PM until the moon no longer covers anything of the sun at around 3:15 PM and continues its journey.
As this is only a partial solar eclipse, it is very important to protect your eyes during the entire period. Never look directly at the Sun. You can seriously hurt your eyes, and even go blind. Proper eye protection, like eclipse glasses or a special solar filter, is the only safe option. Everyone should know that normal sunglasses - however dark they may be - will not provide any protection.
The American Astronomical Society has compiled a list of vendors where you can buy safe eclipse glasses. Do not rely on cheap products. It's about your eyes, and you only have two of them.
If you are looking for these glasses from the relevant online suppliers, a little tip from me:
NASA does not issue approval authorization letters for merchandise.
Many vendors offer you plenty of options. Here is just one example:
klick here (i do not receive any money for this)
I look forward to seeing you next week.