Best Places to View the Total Solar Eclipse
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There are only few astronomical phenomenon as magnificent as a total solar eclipse. This year, on August 21 we will witness one of these rare eclipses and people shouldn’t miss it because the next one will take place in 2024.
Even though it will be visible from Mexico and Canada too, these are the best places to view the total solar eclipse in the US:
1. Columbia, SC
Total Solar Eclipse in Columbia, SC (August 21, 2017): Columbia, SC will be a prime location to see the upcoming total solar eclipse. Columbia will experience the longest period of 100 percent total eclipse for a metro area on the entire East Coast of the United States — up to 2 minutes and 36 seconds. Due to South Carolina’s sunny summers, there’s a good chance for clear skies in August. Columbia will also host special eclipse-related events leading up to nature’s grandest spectacle. Plus, Columbia is easy and convenient to travel to with three major interstates (I-20, I-26 and I-77) and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
2. Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the few states with the entire central region within the “path of totality” (the longest viewing time) and some of the clearest skies in the country. There are a number of communities that are planning extensive events, tours and activities to celebrate the rare occasion. Here’s a link with more information: http://www.travelwyoming.com/view-eclipse
a. Wind River Region, Wyoming
The Wind River region (near Lander, Wyoming) will allow visitor to immerse in Native American culture and Western history while the moon passes before the sun.Visitors can stand at the base of immense rock walls while nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomenon unfolds. Here’s a link to the events and packages offered in the area: http://www.windrivereclipse.org/packages-and-events/. Additionally, the Wind River Casino will be highlighting the local Native American perspective on the rare occurrence with eclipse presentations, star-viewing parties, and Arapaho star stories, song, and dance. During the eclipse itself, they will host a rare Arapaho ceremony to bring back the sun.
b. Casper, Wyoming
Casper, Wyoming will highlight more of the scientific side of the event with astronomers, photographers, eclipse chasers and thousands of residents from across the globe in a march to the Line of Totality in Casper. With an altitude over 5,000 feet and high probability of clear skies, this little Wyoming town has been designated one of the best places in the nation to view this celestial spectacle.
3. Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley, Idaho is another key location within the path of totality. Mountaintop locations such as the top Bald Mountain via the Sun Valley gondola (51 seconds of totality) will offer the spectacle of the adjacent mountains changing illumination quickly as the Moon’s shadow races across at about 2,800 miles per hour.
