Eclipse 2017 - What can you expect?

Written by: Brandon Molyneaux

I wanted to contribute to the pool of about a million articles or so about the eclipse that's occurring on 8/21 by providing a few tidbits about the eclipse.

• The Weather. What are clouds going to be like? What about temperature fluctuations? I wish I could say "clear skies across the board", but that's not going to happen. If you're in the Kansas City region, you'll probably expect clouds in the way. On the other hand, if you're in Oregon, you'll probably expect clear skies. If you don't know what the cloud cover is going to be like, refer to the National Weather Service for your area. One interesting thing to keep an eye on is the temperature fluctuations - the NWS is forecasting 5 to 15 degree variations. There was an excellent AFD (Area Forecast Discussion) by NWS Hastings on Friday, August 18, which is to the right.
• Traffic. Traffic is going to be terrible on Monday in big metropolitan areas, so don't expect to travel far quickly because everyone is going to try and flock to the path. Same thing with airports - arrive at the airport earlier than usual and expect to wait in security for a while.
• Wireless signals. This is a huge question mark, since not everyone will know for a fact what will happen. I would be inclined to believe that phone signal and wireless capabilities will be limited. Many people will be live streaming to Facebook, Periscope, TwitchTV, and storm chasing platforms.
• Darkness. No seriously, no matter where you are along the path of totality, you'll experience something, even if clouds are in the way. Even if you're not in the path of totality, you'll still see a the sky get a bit darker.
• Research Groups. If you pick the right spot, you may see a research group or two collecting data. NASA is sending 2 planes to chase the eclipse as the moon is passing over at 1,500mph, while the Severe Weather Institute at University of Alabama launches weather balloons in Tennessee and Kentucky. Millersville University Meteorology professor Dr. Richard Clark and 15 other undergraduate students will also be traveling to Tennessee to launch a few balloons as the eclipse occurs.

Interesting tidbit:  I stumbled across an article last night from NOAA about the
HRRR (a weather model) incorporating the eclipse temperature fluctuations. You can read more about it here.



And please, for your safety, do not look at the sun directly without the certified glasses. If you don't have your glasses yet, it's probably a bit too late, but you might be able to find a pair if you look around and ask a few friends.

I'll be in Kansas City, MO, since I have a friend who lives in the path of totality. Sadly enough, the forecast isn't looking too optimistic for eclipse-viewing.  I'm not going to attempt to take photos and video, because everyone else is going to be doing it. I'm going to sit back and enjoy the experience with a few friends.

My contribution to the endless supply of "path of totality" maps can be found at the top of the article. You can also view it here interactively on my website, along with downloading the source file to use with Google Earth/Maps.

If you miss this eclipse, don't worry! There will be another one in 2024 going over Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, and Lake Erie.