KCRag Forum

I am a few days late on this, but we are about 10 years away (August 21, 2017), from a total solar eclipse that will be visible in the northern portions of the Kansas City Metro Area (first solar eclipse in nearly 40 years in the continental United States)!  Downtown KC is at the southern fringe of the totality coverage area, but it appears that Saint Joseph, Missouri will feel the full effect of the eclipse as it is right on the center line path.

More information:
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/so ... pFull.html - Google Map showing centerline and areas of totality
http://www.eclipse2017.org/ - Website dedicated to the 2017 Solar Eclipse

I am so all over this eclipse. I've already waited 20 years....

Don't forget, the best way to watch a total solar eclipse is to stare directly into it.






(:^o)

scooterj wrote: Don't forget, the best way to watch a total solar eclipse is to stare directly into it.






(:^o)

Actually, staring at totality is completely safe. It's the partial phases that'll get ya.

Unfortunately, they never explain to people why it's dangerous to look at an eclipse.

Sounds like a road trip to St. Joseph in ten years will be in order.

Tosspot wrote: Sounds like a road trip to St. Joseph in ten years will be in order.

we all will be there! just think of the kickass camera you will have then.

Tosspot wrote: Sounds like a road trip to St. Joseph in ten years will be in order.

Ditto, but with contingency plans to tour many backroads in Nebraska or Wyoming if weather conditions warrant.

how long does it last?

GRID wrote: how long does it last?

2 minutes, 38 seconds.

It'll seem more like 15 seconds.

Looks like KC's Northern half and St. Louis' Southern Half:

Gladstoner wrote: 2 minutes, 38 seconds.

It'll seem more like 15 seconds.

Don't blink or you might miss it.

Gladstoner wrote: Unfortunately, they never explain to people why it's dangerous to look at an eclipse.

So why is it?

Roanoker wrote: So why is it?

Oh, I guess that makes me one of those people who don't explain things.... 

Anyway....

First, a question:  how come people don't warn you to not stare at the full sun? Because it's painful to look at, of course. The tremendous amount of light makes you flinch.

Unfortunately, the intensity of the light has no such effect. During an eclipse, people would feel no discomfort as they stare at the tiny sliver of remaining sun (photosphere). Worse yet, their pupils would have dilated due to the greatly reduced light level. Damage done to their eyes would be similar to that to an ant being fried by a magnifying glass. (Certified-safe filters or pinhole projections should always be used at this point),

Once totality is reached, no photosphere remains, and the eclipse is then safe to look at.

My problem with the lack of explanations is that people tend to weave things into urban myths when they receive incomplete information. They then end up missing a completely safe spectacle.

bump. T minus 85 days.

holy shit!

where will everyone be? its supposed to technically cross the sw corner of forest park, so i'm thinking about setting up shop there. somewhere a bit further south like the upper ozarks might be better here.

i just realized that it will be right over like augusta/wine country...hmmm...

We just did a reconnaissance mission to check out viewing options. Went out to Arrow Rock, then back toward town on 24 mostly. Marshall and Waverly seem to have lots of options space wise.

My son has been looking forward to this event for years. He plans to find the places with the best weather conditions and simply go to wherever they may be, no matter what state. He told me that all ideal spots will be thoroughly crowded. Traffic may be a problem. I'm just hoping it doesn't rain here in Kansas City or be overcast, as I'm staying put in my house.

missouri wine country is like completely destroyed by reservations.

Roanoker wrote:My son has been looking forward to this event for years. He plans to find the places with the best weather conditions and simply go to wherever they may be, no matter what state. He told me that all ideal spots will be thoroughly crowded. Traffic may be a problem. I'm just hoping it doesn't rain here in Kansas City or be overcast, as I'm staying put in my house.

I'm a little biased, but if I was planning to find a near-optimal spot that's less than a day's drive away, I'd go to the Nebraska Sandhills. Wide open spaces and a very good chance of clear skies in August.

Hard to believe this forum is almost 20 years old. Sheesh. In no time we'll have to buy it a beer.