Something very exciting is coming soon to the area! In just a little less than a month, we will experience a spectacular event. A total eclipse of the sun is coming on August 21, 2017. The moon will completely cover the sun. According to NASA, those in the path of totality will be able to see the sun’s tenuous atmosphere, the corona. In the AccuCare Home Health Care area, we are very fortunate.
Missouri residents have a wide range of options for viewing the eclipse. St. Louis is along the northern edge of the eclipse. The further south in the metropolitan area, the better the view. Many areas south of the city will begin seeing the visible partial eclipse before noon and will experience around two and a half minutes of total eclipse, beginning after 1:00 pm. If you and your loved ones plan on viewing this phenomenon, now is the time to discover the details of the eclipse in your town and get your protective glasses.
This is the first total solar eclipse visible to us in our country in many years! Your aging loved one may remember other total eclipses, so this is a great opportunity to take a trip down memory lane. If conversations about the past are enjoyable for an elderly person in your life, take the time to ask questions and explore the history of these events in the United States.
- 1991: Unfortunately, most of us missed this eclipse, which was only visible to U.S. residents in Hawaii.
- 1979: On February 26, 1979, the northwestern United States experienced a total eclipse.
- 1970: The east coast of the U.S., mostly the southern portion, witnessed a total eclipse on March 7, 1970.
- 1963: On this side of the world, the Great Maine Eclipse of 1963 (July 20) was visible only in Alaska, Canada, and Maine.
- 1932: The Great Maine Eclipse of 1932 was experienced by those in the Northeastern United States and Canada.
- 1925: NYC’s Winter Morning Eclipse occurred on January 24, 1925, extending through many of the U.S. Northeast/northern regions.
This is truly a once in a lifetime event! Officials are expecting more than a million people to visit Missouri. We advise you to be prepared, especially south of St. Louis. Traffic is expected to be quite heavy, and you can also expect to wait longer than usual at your favorite restaurant or even in grocery store lines. MODot has advised that people leave very early to arrive at their chosen viewing area and to be patient on the roadways. Be certain the gas tank is full before getting on the highway. Motorists are cautioned not to pull to the side of the road during the eclipse and not to drive while wearing eclipse glasses.
If your aging loved one is able, this will be a great experience to share. Be sure to take the time to plan for the event well. Happy Eclipse viewing!
