I Haven’t made Any Plans. Is It Too Late to View the Total Eclipse?

No, it isn’t!

No one knows for sure how many people will travel to the band of land where the Total Solar Eclipse of August 21, 2017 will be visible.  Crowding will very likely be a problem, but here are a few ideas to consider:

• The “narrow band” for totality is actually a vast area. Even with millions of people visiting, there is plenty of room for everyone.
• Of course, some places will be very popular, and they will be crowded.
• Our love of automobiles and our road system is the weak link in handling a large number of people. On August 21, the eclipse traffic will be added to the normal traffic load.  A particular concern would be after the eclipse, where most people will want to go home at the same time.
• Motel rooms will be available at the last minute, because some people (my self included) have made reservations in multiple cities. The unused reservations will be cancelled a day or two before August 21.

So, I offer this advice:

• Try to make motel reservations as close to the area of totality as possible.
• Check for last-minute vacancies at places inside the area of totality.
• Arrive at your destination as early as you can manage.
• Keep your gas tank full, and bring food and water.
• Bring printed road maps, since the cellular networks in some areas may be overloaded.
• Try to plan a route which avoids the major highways. In particular, be wary of expressways, because U-turns are not allowed.
• Research good locations to view the eclipse. Many small towns have provided viewing areas, with varying levels of support.
• While the centerline of the band of totality offers the maximum duration of totality, areas a small number of miles away will be almost as good.

In summary, a total eclipse of the Sun is such a magnificent event that many people want to experience it.  Even with advance planning, inconveniences will occur.  The goal is to keep them to a minimum, and have a memorable day!