As I write this post, there are 11days:23hr:18min until the solar eclipse touches the west coast in Oregon on August 21st!

To say the excitement for this eclipse is profound is an understatement. And, this coast to coast eclipse will have a large impact on the country.  The Great American Eclipse website has a page dedicated to the traffic expected per state that totality crosses.  The eclipse will begin in Oregon and ODOT is saying the eclipse will bring the “biggest traffic event in Oregon history“.  As the eclipse traverses the country, Idaho, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Tennessee are predicted to be the most impacted.  Then the eclipse will end in South Carolina, which is expected to have the worst influx due to travelers from along the east coast.

Even if you can’t make it to a spot along the path of totality, the entire USA falls within the path of a partial solar eclipse (be sure to wear proper eye protection when looking at the Sun!).   The furthest spot from totality in the USA is the top of Maine, which will still see at least 55% of the Sun covered by the Moon.  You can check out how much of a partial eclipse you will see and when (on August 21st) at TimeandDate.com.

As the countdown grows smaller, I am eagerly awaiting my trip to the path of totality with my family.  We’ve been practicing our viewing techniques (to ensure eye safety) and practicing with our photography gear (so we can take pictures but still enjoy the event).

Over the next 10 days, I will bring you a Countdown To The Eclipse series posting ways you can enjoy the eclipse and participate in citizen science projects!

Clear Skies!

~Misty Carty, Ph.D.