You can go to the NASA “Eclipse Explorer” page to see how much of the eclipse will be visible where you are by clicking here.
Eclipse day is finally here, but for some it’ll just be Monday. While the path of totality for the eclipse will cover some major cities and millions of people, not all of them will have the chance to see the event due to the weather. Around 20 million people in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are facing a weather forecast giving them a risk for severe weather today…and heavy cloud cover.
While the path of totality will move through several states, at least some percentage of the sun will be obstructed by the moon over most of the US this afternoon. Most places will see around two minutes of darkness, with some seeing a bit longer of the eclipse depending on where they are; the longest stretch of total eclipse will be visible in an area northwest of Torreon, Mexico.
Other facts about today’s eclipse:
- 31-million people live inside the path of totality, with millions more traveling to be there for the event today. That’s led to several states of emergency being declared in some states, schools being canceled or dismissed early, and the prison system in New York state being locked down today.
- Wolfe City, Texas, has 1,400 residents and no traffic light, but expects to be flooded with visitors today. “We’re preparing for the worst and praying for the best” said Mayor Betty Teel-Malone.
- While it’s being called a “once in a lifetime” event, LaVerne Biser is most likely laughing at that description. The 105-year-old Texan will be viewing the 13th eclipse of his life. He saw his first eclipse in 1963 after traveling with his wife to Maine. He’s since traveled to see the event 12 times in total, going everywhere from Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, and other places. Unfortunately, this’ll be the first eclipse he’s seen without his wife, who passed away last year.
Source: NBC News
Photo: Getty Images