It’s Coming!!!

Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024

I gave you 3 years notice back in 2021. Now, I am giving you a final, 6 weeks reminder notice. The next miraculous event of our solar system will occur on Monday, April 8, 2024. To truly experience this event, you must be in the “zone of totality” (see origin post below for explanation). Experiencing the eclipse outside of the zone is just…ehh. When you are closer to the center of the zone, the totality (i.e. sudden, complete darkness) lasts much longer. People will be traveling all over the nation to get their spot in the zone. Make your plans now. If you miss this zone…your next chance is 2044.

Below is my original post on the eclipse entitled “Grotesquely Early Notice.” It was published in April 2021. It tells the story of my first eclipse road trip to Bowling Green, KY, with my dog, Tonks. For the coming eclipse, Bella and I have raised our game significantly. We have a fully stocked command center at an undisclosed location on the midline of the zone of totality. Here’s hoping for a clear day…though the odds are against us. But, clear or not, its going to be a wonderful event to experience. Do NOT make the mistake of missing the zone of totality when this event occurs. Have a wonderful day. PT

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Grotesquely Early Notice

Mark it on your calendar now! That is, APRIL 8, 2024. Obviously, as the title indicates, this 3 year advance warning is grotesquely early notice. But, it’s flat out that important. This event is the next total solar eclipse within the United States. PugsleyTonks went to the last one in 2017. Based on that, I am 100% certain that you do not want to miss the next one. This Bucket List worthy event must be done properly.

First, the time will be sometime between 1-4pm, depending on where you are in the path. Beyond that, it’s of utmost importance that you are in the right location. And, by right location, I mean you MUST be in the Zone of Totality. It is not acceptable to just walk outside and look up in the sky. Rather, you absolutely must make sure that you are within the Zone of Totality. Watching the eclipse in the zone and catching the corona is magical. Its everything. The event is only bucket list worthy if you are in the zone. Watching the eclipse just OUTSIDE the zone is just passingly interesting. Now, let’s make sure you get the zone…

You will be able to see the solar eclipse, to some degree, pretty much anywhere in the continental US (assuming its not cloudy). But, you must get to the zone to experience the corona and totality. Literally, the difference is night and day (pun intended). Outside the zone, you get some of the effects, but its not completely dark. Inside the zone, it’s light out. One moment, it’s a sunny afternoon. Then, its midnight. And, the closer you get to the centerline…the longer it’s dark. The above right picture is the zone as it passes through Ohio. Within the yellow lines is the zone. The green line is the centerline. Near the centerline, the darkness with last 3-4 minutes.

Again, just to emphasize, if you are not in the zone, a little piece of the sun will shine through. That’s all it takes to ruin the magic. But, get in the zone and your preparations will all be worthwhile. Now, for those of you that still do not get it, check out this brief time lapse video from youtube. Its not my video, but its from the same 2017 total solar eclipse that I enjoyed in the zone.

https://youtu.be/t7FP_lyg1uE Zone of Totality. Solar Eclipse in 2017

Now, let’s do a bit on logistics. Here’s the shocker…this is not going to be a secret. Trust me, the word will leak out. Do not take your Zone of Totality planning lightly. If you live within the zone or know someone that does, you are set. But, if you have to travel, find a place with lots of open space so your view is completely unobstructed. Public parks are good, but everyone else knows that. In 2017, I targeted a public park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The 4.5 hour drive took 6.5 hours. Then, there was a traffic jam entering the park. Of course, parking was tight. Get the picture? If you are traveling, allow extra time for everything.

Upon arrival to the zone, set up your command post. Be sure to have a comfortable chair, eclipse glasses, adult beverages and sun protection as appropriate. Get your eclipse glasses early as there will be shortage near the time of the event. Obviously, you will need something to take pictures. But, without the right photographic knowledge and equipment, your eclipse pictures will probably suck (as mine did).

So, start the clock. Undeniably, this 3 year heads up is grotesquely early notice. But, getting to the Zone of Totality should not be taken lightly. If you fail, the next descent US total solar eclipse is in 2045. Do NOT screw this up. PT

I hope you have enjoyed reading “Grotesquely Early Notice” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

If you enjoyed that post, check this out https://travelingwithpt.com/listening-in-on-the-aliens/

Here is all the scope on the coming Total Solar Eclipse https://nationaleclipse.com/maps.html