Total Eclipse

Total Eclipse 2017.  On Monday, August 21, our region will witness the most accessible total eclipse in decades. The best place to see it is in the Path of Totality shown as the dark area in the regional map. We are lucky to have the Path of Totality pass over our region, including the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. The width of totality is 71.5 miles across North Carolina and the speed of totality is 1452 mph.

What to expect:
Totality is at approximately 2:35pm for our region (depending on your exact location). The total eclipse will last 2 minutes 30 seconds, plus or minus depending on your location under the path. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose “eclipse glasses”.

Weather:
It is mid-afternoon when the shadow passes though our region. This time of year, we generally have afternoon clouds. But there are many afternoons with clear skies. Even with afternoon clouds, the eclipse shadow brings a cooling that should have a dramatic effect in dissipating the cloudiness, provided the clouds are not producing rain. Even on a cloudy day, you will witness the darkness of the full eclipse.

Plan a trip:
If you haven’t already made accommodation reservations, you will not find availability in the region. Plan on a day trip, allowing extra time for traffic delays. See list below for regional activities.

See a total eclipse – video:
http://eclipseguy.com/videos/still-hooked/

Eclipse Information:
http://eclipsewise.com
http://www.eclipse2017.org

Regional Activities:
Tellico Plains TN
https://www.facebook.com/TotalityinTellico/
Robbinsville NC (with van shuttles to viewing locations on the Cherohala Skyway)
https://www.facebook.com/events/116862688801661
Bryson City NC
https://www.facebook.com/events/697394823795501
Andrews NC
http://wncsolareclipse.com/andrews/
Tapoco Lodge
https://www.facebook.com/events/326214787835284
Fontana Village Resort NC
https://www.facebook.com/events/1732987743393669
Stecoah Valley Center NC
https://www.facebook.com/events/1501696199852657
The Hub – Robbinsville NC
https://www.facebook.com/events/125547974641497

Eclipse Souvenirs:
http://www.tailofthedragonstore.com

Don’t miss out on this eclipse, it will be 52 years before our region witnesses another total eclipse.