Four ultimate eclipse 2017 observation locations for astronomers & eclipse-chasers
Satisfy the geek inside you with these spot-on places to view Totality
It doesn’t matter where you watch August’s total solar eclipse. Beauty spot or car park, National Park or backyard, it’s all the same; summary relatively high in the sky, so any backdrop you carefully choose will be rendered largely pointless on the day.
However, if you’re an eclipse-chaser, amateur astronomer or stargazer and you want some astronomical accuracy, here are some co-ordinates you can chase:
1 – Point of Greatest Eclipse in Cerulean, Kentucky
Google Map
This is defined as the instant when the axis of the Moon’s shadow cone passes closest to Earth’s center. If you want the purest syzygy possible – and for whopping 2 mins 40 seconds – get yourself to a field on the north side of Cerulean Hopkinsville Road just north of Cerulean. The exact spot is 36° 57′ 58.99″ N, 87° 40′ 12.69″ W.
2 – Point of Greatest Eclipse Duration in Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
Google Map
This is basically the same as the Point of Greatest Duration, but adjusted for the shape of the Moon’s topography. To get the maximum Totality in the USA – 2 min 41.6 secs – get yourself to the geographic location of 37° 34′ 04.3″ N 89° 06′ 10.0″ W. It’s very close to Rocky Comfort Cabins and Blue Sky Vineyards.
3 – Crossroads of the 2017 & 2024 Eclipses near Makanda, Illinois
Google Map
Another Total Solar Eclipse will sweep across the USA on April 8, 2024 going northeast-southwest. The paths cross near Makanda south of Carbondale, Illinois. Get yourself in that area for the big day in 2017 and you can return there in seven years to see another Total Solar Eclipse.
4 – AstroCon 2017 in Casper, Wyoming
Google Map
When it comes to Total Solar Eclipses, astronomers don’t mess about. They look at the weather data and they book their hotels – and sometimes they even arrange an enormous Astronomical Convention for their peers. Casper, Wyoming is hosting AstroCon 2017 between Wednesday, August 16 through Saturday, August 19, 2017.
Photo credit: Travel Wyoming
