2017 Solar Eclipse in Charleston
According to NASA, on August 21, 2017, people across the United States will see the sun disappear behind the moon, turning daylight into twilight, causing the temperature to drop rapidly, and revealing massive streams of light streaking through the sky around the silhouette of the moon. On that day, America will fall under the path of a total solar eclipse.
What is a solar eclipse?
The scientific definition of a total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth and blocks all or part of the sun for up to three hours, from beginning to end, as viewed from a given location. Research shows that there will be several eclipses that pass over the United States in the 21st century, but this is the first eclipse in quite a while. Scientists state that if you miss this one, you will have to wait seven years to see another.
For this particular eclipse, nicknamed the Great American Eclipse, the longest period when the moon will completely block the sun will be about 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Anywhere in North America will be able to see a partial eclipse, where the moon covers only a part of the sun. To see a total eclipse, where the moon fully covers the sun for a short few minutes, you must be in the path of totality. The path of totality is a path, up to 200 miles wide, that the moon’s shadow traces on the earth during a total solar eclipse.
2017 Solar Eclipse Path
The Great American Solar Eclipse’s path of totality will darken skies all the way from Oregon to South Carolina. The other states that will get to experience the total solar eclipse are Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. People located in the path of totality are in for the big event that is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Here in Charleston, South Carolina, we will be the last group of people to witness the eclipse from 2:46 - 2:48PM.
Charleston Solar Eclipse Events
There are several events happening in the Charleston area to celebrate this phenomenal occurrence on August 21st. MUSC Health Stadium on Daniel Island is hosting an Eclipse Festival starting at 11:00AM. Tickets are $8 for adults and free for children 12 and under, military and first responders. The event will include astronomy related activities, a science zone for children, food, drinks and more!
If you are wanting to experience an event full of science and baseball, we recommend going to the Charleston Riverdogs game on the 21st. Admission starts at 1:00PM and the game starts at 4:00PM. There will be special guests from NASA who will educate attendees about our solar system and the eclipse. You can purchase solar eclipse viewing glasses and learn more about area happenings from the Official Charleston Area Vistors Center.
We at Akers Ellis recommend coming to the Charleston area to witness and enjoy the Great American Solar Eclipse. Reserve your stay on Kiawah Island in one of our lovely vacation rental homes, cottages, or villas for a memorable opportunity!