Why You Should Experience the Total Solar Eclipse in 2024

I’m so fortunate to live in a part of the country was very close to the August 2017 total solar eclipse. I happened to have the day off; my parents decided last minute to drive up to Fulton, Missouri to check it out, and they invited me to tag along. Little did I know those 2.5 minutes of standing in totality would be something that would move me like I’ve never been moved before. So, let me tell you more about why you should experience the total solar eclipse in April of this year.

My Top Tips for Experience the Total Eclipse in 2024

Look Up the Closest Locations to You: We started planning this in 2017 and had scouted out some good locations to have as options to see the eclipse. After seeing where will be close, do a little comparison to see which location will have the longest period in totality of those.
Find a place to stay ASAP: We found more scenic or touristy places booked up exceptionally early – we’re talking 1 year out. But I would guess that smaller towns – like the one we’ll be staying in – might still have some rooms available.
If You Can’t Find a Hotel, I’d Car Camp, Camp or Even Go for Just the Day: We went just for the day last time, and it was 1000% worth it. However, the highway to get back home from bananas. The drive took a little over double the amount of time. That said, I’d still recommend the effort to see it. In fact, Matt will be driving back the day-of because of work.
Don’t Forget Your Safety Glasses: It’s important to get your eclipse glasses so you can truly watch the moment happen without harming your eyes.

Why You Should Experience the Total Eclipse in 2024

There are so many places to see it across North America: There is a “band of darkness” cutting across decent-sized sections Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Canada.
It’ll be 20 years before you can see another one in the Lower 48 of the US: It’s so crazy that I’d have to travel so much further to see a total eclipse before I’m 54. I’ve been so lucky that I got to experience this at 27 and will again at 34 in my home state of Missouri.
It’s such a unique experience: This is one of those celestial phenomenons that just blow your mind. It’s something that hits so mane emotions and several different senses. The temperature drops, animals and insects hum and howl and it just is such a unique experience.
You get a unique understanding of ancient cultures: When I was standing there, feeling the power of the solar eclipse, with the knowledge of the science behind what was happening, I was still moved. I cannot even imagine how I would’ve felt just being outside one day and having this happen.
It’s a moment you’ll never forget: I cannot recommend experiencing totality enough. And even more than experiencing it solo – I mean, do it solo if that’s you’re only option – but if you can, gather a group of people with you that you love. It’ll be such a special moment to share together.

My Total Solar Eclipse Experience in 2017

Thankfully, my uncle had done the research to know when and where to be. So, I was literally just along for the ride. We got to a park in Fulton, it was just a simple green space type of park, and there was a good handful of people in the park with camp chairs or blankets waiting for the eclipse to happen. We arrived a few hours before the eclipse just to be sure that there would be a space to sit and enjoy.

When the moon finally started to pass over the sun, it was so eerie to see the intense darkness spread. We put our eclipse glasses on and waited for totality to begin as we watched the moon slowly, but at the same time, so quickly, make its way in the front of the sun. The world plunged into darkness, we took our glasses off and everyone collectively gasped as the insects started whirring all around us in the trees, totally fooled into believing night had come. There was an eerie glow, but in a way that moved us – many of us to tears. There was something so powerful at standing below the sun in this moment of darkness in broad daylight. Of course, we snapped photos, took videos and then just soaked up the experience.

I hope that you’re able to experience this beautiful phenomenon. It’s just over a month away, so I feel like you still have a fair amount of time to make arrangements to get out there and experience this.

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