By David Kennard
dkennard@journalscene.com
The eclipse that will darken the sky on the afternoon of
Aug. 21 promises to be a spectacular event -- if it’s not raining.
Not to throw a wet blanket on this celestial event that has
seen more buildup than Y2K, but there’s a pretty good chance that if you’re
reading this column, you’re going to see a cloudy sky when you look up through
your cardboard eclipse glasses.
As of Sunday afternoon, The National Weather Forecast for
Aug. 21 includes a 40 percent chance of precipitation, which means cloudy
weather. But if you recall last October, forecasters were still saying
Hurricane Matthew was going to blow out to sea several days before it pounded
us here in the Lowcountry.
It’s still just a little too early to say whether or not
we’re going to get a good view of this thing.
However, I hope we do … and so do all the restaurants,
hotels and airlines from Lincoln Beach,Oregon; to Casper, Wyoming; to Mokane,
Missouri; to Bonneau, South Carolina. The folks along that path -- and about 35
miles north and south of there -- will witness something most will never see
again.
For about 2 minutes and 3 seconds, the view of the sun will
be completely blocked by the moon.
Where we are, the moon’s eclipse of the sun will begin at
about 1:16 p.m. on that day and last nearly three hours from partial eclipse to
total eclipse and then partial eclipse again.
Assuming it’s not raining that day, it should be a pretty
cool sight, similar to the twilight hours of each day. The brightest stars will
be visible, frogs and crickets will begin chirping. Roosters will crow. Toilets
will flush backwards. Democrats will praise Trump. OK, I made those last two
things up.
For real, though some things are certainly going to happen
during eclipse-agedon when the sun vanishes. It's time you begin preparing for
what some are comparing to the Burning Man Festival for the common folk.
Here is a quick list of things you should or should not do.
First, don’t look at the sun. Even during the two-plus
minutes of totality, it’s dangerous. Remember the advice of your mother or your
fifth-grade science teacher, don’t look at the sun.
For 99 cents you can order a pair of eclipse sunglasses
online. You can also stop by your local hardware store and pick up a No. 14
welder’s glass. Do this now, supplies will sell out.
Second, pay attention to a warning from The South Carolina
Emergency Management Division: If you are driving during the eclipse, KEEP
MOVING. Do not stop your vehicle along interstates or any roadway.
Please follow those instructions. Every police department,
fire department and safety official in the county has already been briefed
about idiot drivers who will no doubt strain their neck to see the eclipse
while driving.
If you miss it, don't worry; the next total solar eclipse
will visit the U.S. on April 8, 2024, but you'll have to travel to Arkansas to
see it. The next total eclipse to visit the Lowcountry will be come on March
30, 2052 and again on May 11, 2078.
Make a plan now to be in a safe place off the roads during
the afternoon hours of Aug. 21. A good place to be is the Old Santee Canal
Park, where admission is free all day and plans are in place to help people enjoy
this two-minute miracle.
Another good place is the Colonial Dorchester State Historic
Site on Dorchester Road or Givhans Ferry State Park, both of which have
prepared for increased crowds.
When you do go to any of these excellent destinations, prepare
of heavy traffic, get there early and bring water - remember this is going to
be the middle of the day in August. The sun maybe hidden behind the moon, but
it’s still going to be hot.
Finally, bring an umbrella.
David Kennard is the executive editor of Summerville Communications,
which publishes the Berkeley Independent, Goose Creek Gazette and Summerville
Journal Scene. Contact him at dkennard@journalscene.com or 843-873-9424. Follow
him on Twitter @davidbkennard.
