Posted in Minnesota Nature July 26, 2017 by

The Rare Natural Phenomenon In Minnesota That Will Go Down In History

This summer, the United States will experience a fascinating natural phenomenon. A 70-mile-wide path stretching more than 2,000 miles across America will go dark. It will be the first solar eclipse visible in the Lower 48 since 1979. Even more remarkably, it’ll be the first coast-to-coast eclipse in the country since 99 years ago in 1918.

In short, this eclipse something you don’t want to miss. While Minnesotans aren’t lucky enough to be in the path of totality, we can still take part in the event. Read on to find out when and where you can get the best view.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
The eclipse will take place on Monday, August 21, 2017. Its path will stretch from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina.
NASA
Eclipses themselves are not particularly rare events. They happen frequently all over the world. But many occur over uninhabited areas such as vast stretches of ocean, and most just don't happen in the United States. That's what makes the 2017 eclipse so rare. It's traveling from coast to coast. An estimated 220 million people live within a day's drive of the path of totality.
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun. Because the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun - and 400 times closer to earth - it creates an amazing sight for us to enjoy on earth.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Flickr
Here in Minnesota, we won't be seeing a total eclipse this time. Minnesotans who were around in 1954 were lucky enough to see a total eclipse pass over the southern half of the state. The next time Minnesota will experience a total solar eclipse will be in 2099.
If you're not able to make it out of town for the total eclipse, you can still view a partial eclipse in Minnesota. The sun will reach its maximum totality between 1:02 p.m. and 1:10 p.m. depending on how far east or west you are.
MPCA Photos/Flickr
Also depending on where you are is the percentage of totality you will experience. At most, Minnesotans can expect to see up to 83% of the sun obscured by the moon. However, this figure decreases as you travel north. The best way to view the eclipse in Minnesota is to travel as far south as you can. This will put you closer to the path of the total eclipse, meaning more of the sun will be covered.

Since August 21 is on a Monday, it wouldn't be a bad idea make a long weekend out of seeing the eclipse. There are lots of beautiful state parks in southern Minnesota where you can camp affordably and see the sky clearly.
Since Minnesota is not in the path of totality, make sure you wear eye protection.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Flickr
In Minnesota, the sun will never be completely covered by the moon. Staring at the eclipse with no eye protection can cause severe damage to your vision. Luckily, eclipse glasses are easy to get and relatively affordable. You'll want to get some! This kind of thing doesn't happen every day.

Are you excited for the eclipse? It’s not every day that millions of people come together to witness something amazing. Let August 21 be a day we put differences aside and turn our eyes toward the sky.