2017 Total Solar Eclipse
On August 21, 2017, the day will mimic the night as the moon completely blocks the sun for about two minutes. While we are not scientists, we’ve gathered some answers to questions about what to expect Monday and how the event will affect you.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse is a lineup of the Sun, the Moon and Earth. The Moon, directly between the Sun and Earth, casts a shadow on our planet. If you’re in the dark part of the shadow, you’ll see a total eclipse. If not, you’ll see a partial eclipse. The moon will completely block the sun along its path for about 2 minutes.
How will this impact me — a truck driver?
Warnings of heavy traffic disruptions have been issued. You should talk with your dispatchers to see about possibly changing your delivery schedules if you are in the direct path of the solar eclipse. Rural roads may be congested during the time of the eclipse, by people attempting to view the event. You will want to be extra careful of other cars abruptly pulling off the road right in front of you.
How will I see it?
You will not be able to safely view the eclipse event while driving. Looking directly at the sun is dangerous to your vision, even if it is just a small sliver of the sun through your windshield. If you happen to be in the path of the solar eclipse, make sure to wear protective eyewear that will shield your eyes from the sun. With that said, do not wear the protective eye wear while you are driving. Only use the eyewear when you’re looking directly at the total solar eclipse. There are a few resources and makeshift ways to safely see the sun.
Where can I see the solar eclipse?
The first contact is in Oregon. We have mapped out the path of the total eclipse in the chart below. See if you will be traveling through one of these places.
|
City /States |
Eclipse Begins | Totality Begins | Totality Ends | Eclipse Ends | Time Zone |
| Madras, OR | 9:06 | 10:19 | 10:21 | 11:41 | PDT |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 10:15 | 11:33 | 11:34 | 12:58 | MDT |
| Casper, WY | 10:22 | 11:42 | 11:45 | 13:09 | MDT |
| Lincoln, NE | 11:37 | 13:02 | 13:04 | 14:29 | CDT |
| Jefferson City, MO | 11:46 | 13:13 | 13:15 | 14:41 | CDT |
| Carbondale, IL | 11:52 | 13:20 | 13:22 | 14:47 | CDT |
| Paducah, KY | 11:54 | 13:22 | 13:24 | 14:49 | CDT |
| Nashville, TN | 11:58 | 13:27 | 13:29 | 14:54 | CDT |
| Clayton, GA | 13:06 | 14:35 | 14:38 | 16:01 | EDT |
| Columbia, SC | 13:13 | 14:41 | 14:44 | 16:06 | EDT |
Why is this such a big deal?
It is a big deal because this will be the first total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. in 38 years.