🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 84 (from laksa160)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa084.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/travel/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/travel/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/07\/10\/travel\/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html","crawl_time":1773163274,"first_indexed_time":1499706616,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,nytimes!www,\/2017\/07\/10\/travel\/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html s443","src_root_hash":"4566504020376537684","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Where and How to See the Total Eclipse This Summer in the U.S. - The New York Times","meta_descriptions":["On Aug. 21, the sun’s disappearance behind the moon will be visible from the Oregon coast to South Carolina. Here are eight places to see it."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Advertisement\nSKIP ADVERTISEMENT\nTrending\nA partial solar eclipse seen in Cambodia in March 2016. Next month, there will be a solar eclipse visible from the Oregon coast to South Carolina.\nCredit...\nSamrang Pring\/Reuters\nJuly 10, 2017\nCoast-to-coast solar eclipses are an exceedingly rare occurrence: The last one in North America occurred on June 8, 1918, and after this summer’s\nEclipse Across America\n, there will not be another one like it until 2045. For about two minutes on Aug. 21, the sun will disappear behind the moon across a narrow band called a “path of totality” from the Oregon coast to South Carolina.\nNASA has set up a site for the eclipse (\neclipse2017.nasa.gov\n), which lists the group’s official viewing locations around the country. And a\nhost of communities\nin the center of the band, including some that rarely host large numbers of tourists, are staking their claims as the best place to watch the eclipse.\nA number of other communities in the path, including Columbia, S.C.; Nashville; St. Joseph, Mo.; Casper, Wyo; and\nCarbondale, Ill.\n, which will have the longest duration of “totality” at 1:21 p.m. for 2 minutes 41 seconds, are preparing for big crowds.\nFred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist known as\nMr. Eclipse\n, has watched and photographed 27 solar eclipses on all continents, and says that they are singular experiences everyone should enjoy at least once. He emphasizes that clear weather is key, and that, in this regard, the communities west of the Mississippi River have the best odds. Mr. Espenak will probably be in Casper, where he has a speaking engagement, but he and other eclipse chasers will be watching the weather forecasts, prepared to change plans at the last minute.\nAlex Young, the coordinator for NASA’s education and outreach programs, agrees with Mr. Espenak that sites west of the Mississippi have the best odds for good weather, but cautions that travelers need to plan ahead, consult weather forecasts before the eclipse and have a backup plan. He added that prime viewing spots that are easiest to reach could experience problems with congestion and other logistical challenges.\n“Roughly 100 million people live within a day’s drive of the path of totality, so we’re really in uncharted territory trying to estimate how many people are going to try to watch this event,” said Mr. Young, who plans to be in\nCarbondale for the eclipse\n.\nOne backup plan may be an aerial view: Alaska Airlines is\ngiving away\ntwo free tickets on an invite-only eclipse charter off the coast of Oregon. Also, NASA will be filming the eclipse at a number of sites across the country and will have multiple streams on\nits website\n.\nBut if you want to see the real thing from the earth, here is a list of eight places that have planned celebrations.\nSmall but Stellar\nMadras, Ore.\nIt is a largely agricultural community of 6,000 people in central Oregon that is attracting a huge amount of attention from eclipse chasers, given its reliably clear summer weather and position in the center of the path of totality. Hotels in Madras have been sold out for years. The Days Inn, in nearby Bend, Ore., was advertising standard rooms at\n$1,600 a night\nas of May 1. But officials in Madras say there are still\nplenty of campsites\n, and visitors will have a chance to take in\nlive music\n, check out a superb\naviation museum\n, hike at\nSmith Rock State Park\n, and sample brews at dozens of\nbrew pubs in Bend\n.\nImage\nHopkinsville, Ky., is where people will get the best view of the solar corona.\nCredit...\nAlex Sanz\/Associated Press\nHopkinsville, Ky.\nA farm just outside\nHopkinsville\nhas the distinction of being considered the “point of greatest eclipse,” which means that from the center of the earth, the moon makes its closest path across the sun there, giving viewers the best view of the solar corona, which some say looks like a bright diamond ring. Brooke Jung, who is coordinating Hopkinsville’s eclipse marketing efforts, says the eclipse is the most exciting thing to happen to the town — which they are now branding “\nEclipseville\n” — since the same date (Aug. 21) in 1955, when a dozen “little green men”\nallegedly landed nearby in a spaceship\n.\nTimes travel coverage.\n \nWhen our writers review a destination, they do not accept free or discounted services or, in most cases, reveal that they work for The Times. We want their experience to be what you can expect.\nIn addition to their annual\nLittle Green Men Days\nfestival, which commemorates the extraterrestrial occurrence that supposedly inspired the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” eclipse chasers can drink moonshine at two bourbon distilleries, attend a Comic-Con event, and take in the\nFriday night bluegrass jam\nat the nearby Rosine Barn. Ms. Jung says that the county has closed schools for the day, ordered 100,000 pairs of solar eclipse glasses ($1 each), and has requested 85 members of the National Guard to direct traffic.\n“It’s like us and the other towns in the center of the path of totality are preparing to host a Super Bowl,” she said.\nBig Blowouts\nJefferson City, Mo.\nCapital Eclipse Village, in northern Jefferson City is the center of the action, with live music, art installations, circus-style performances, beer and wine stands and children’s activities. The site Capital Eclipse (\ncapitaleclipse.org\n) lists programming there and elsewhere in Jefferson City. The total eclipse is expected at 1:14 p.m. for 2 minutes 29 seconds.\nLincoln, Neb.\nHaymarket Park, near the city center, is one of the largest viewing sites in the area. On the day of the eclipse, professors from the University of Nebraska’s department of physics and astronomy will set up sun-viewing telescopes and will be on hand to answer questions. There are a\nnumber of other places to see the eclipse and ways to celebrate it\n, including a “ribfest” ahead of the event and a commemorative T-shirts. The eclipse can also be seen from\n125 smaller parks\nin and around Lincoln. Totality is expected at 1:02 p.m. for 1:24. Although most hotels in Lincoln are sold out during the eclipse period, Tracie Simpson of the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau office can help you find accommodations. Contact her at\ntsimpson@lincoln.org\nor 402-434-5339.\nNashville\nThe most promising eclipse event is the\nMusic City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party\nat the Adventure Science Center, a popular children’s science museum. Though\nthe festival starts\non Saturday\n, Aug. 19, the highlight is total eclipse day, where totality is expected at 1:27 p.m. for 1 minute 55 seconds. Indoor activities include multiple showings of Eclipse: The Sun Revealed, a show in the planetarium that the center produced in honor of the eclipse. Outdoors a giant screen will show NASA’s broadcast of the eclipse from space. There will also be science-themed games, food trucks and solar telescope viewing stations. The easiest way to find a place to stay is to search for hotels on\nthe Music City Solar Eclipse Package\npage, provided by the city’s Convention & Visitors Corp. Make sure that wherever you stay, you\nlisten to the city’s eclipse Spotify playlist\n.\nCasper, Wyo.\nThe community is putting on the\nWyoming Eclipse Festival\n, a five-day celebration culminating on Aug. 21. The festival has more than 40 events throughout the city, including races, music concerts and space-related exhibits. Also, on Sunday, Aug. 20, Ira Flatow, the host of the public radio show “Science Friday,” will give a speech at Casper College’s Wheeler Concert Hall titled “Science Is Sexy.” On eclipse day, when totality is expected at 11:42 a.m. for 2 minutes 26 seconds, the city will have several viewing events such as Solabration on the Circle, at Bart Rea Learning Circle along the North Platte River, which includes guided yoga, children’s activities, breakfast and viewing glasses. The cost is $110 a person plus $33 per car for parking. But it will be tough to find a place to stay. All public campgrounds in the area are sold out, and most hotels are also full. “We’re encouraging travelers to consider alternatives such as private land camping or home rentals through sites such as Airbnb,” said Anna Wilcox, the executive director of the Wyoming Eclipse Festival.\nColumbia, S.C.\nThe\nTotal Eclipse Weekend\nlists more than 50 eclipse events taking place in Columbia from Aug. 18 to 21. One example:\nSolar 17 at Lake Murray\n, the city’s largest viewing area, will have tents set up, and guests can receive free water and viewing glasses. Totality is expected at 2:41 p.m. for 2 minutes 36 seconds.\nCharleston, S.C.:\nOf the more than 100 eclipse events listed on\nGo Dark Charleston\n, one of the largest is expected to be\nEclipse on a Warship\n, which takes place on the aircraft carrier and warship museum U.S.S. Yorktown. Visitors will be able to catch the eclipse from the boat’s flight deck, where Dr. Christian Iliadis, chairman of the department of physics and astronomy at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, will give a presentation on the eclipse and answer questions. Totality is expected at 2:48 p.m. for between 90 seconds to two and half minutes. A full listing of hotels is available on the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau\nsite\n.\nCampsites:\nNearly all the hotels in eclipse viewing destinations are sold out the weekend before the eclipse, but some campgrounds still have spots for tents and offer budget-friendly accommodations. According to\nHipcamp\n, an online campground booking site, there are more than a 1,000 campsites in the path of totality with availability; most charge $100 or less a night, and many charge less than $50 a night. For a complete list, visit\nhipcamp.com\/discover\/eclipse-2017\nA correction was made on\nJuly 11, 2017\n: \nA previous version of this article inaccurately described the radio show “Science Friday.” It is an independently produced show distributed to public radio stations, not a NPR show. The article also misstated the start of the Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party in Nashville. It begins on Aug. 19, not Aug. 20.\nA version of this article appears in print on\nJuly 23, 2017\n, Section TR, Page 2 of the New York edition with the headline: Tracking the Sun’s Two-Minute Disappearing Act\n.\nOrder Reprints\n|\nToday’s Paper\n|\nSubscribe\nRelated Content\nSolar Eclipse 2017\nComplete coverage of the total eclipse that will cross the United States on Aug. 21, 2017.\nJoe Buglewicz for The New York Times\nDavid Gray\/Reuters\nMore in Travel\nRaghed Waked\/Reuters\nBrill\/ullstein bild, via Getty Images\nPhilip Lindeman\nRebecca Noble\/Getty Images\nEditors’ Picks\nAislinn Rose Photography\nIllustration by Tomi Um\nTrending in The Times\nThe New York Times\nOffice of the Attorney General of California\nSuzanne Saroff\nOntario Provincial Police\nJason Mowry\/Getty Images\nAlice Zoo\nKelsey McClellan for The New York Times\nNanna Heitmann for The New York Times\nNic Antaya for The New York Times\nAdvertisement\nSKIP ADVERTISEMENT","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/07\/10\/travel\/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#site-content)[Skip to site index](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/07\/10\/travel\/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#site-index)\n\nSearch & Section Navigation\n\nSection Navigation\n\nSearch\n\n[Travel](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/section\/travel)\n\n[Log in](https:\/\/myaccount.nytimes.com\/auth\/login?response_type=cookie&client_id=vi&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fsubscription%2Fonboarding-offer%3FcampaignId%3D7JFJX%26EXIT_URI%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nytimes.com%252F2017%252F07%252F10%252Ftravel%252Fwhere-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html&asset=masthead)\n\nTuesday, March 10, 2026\n\n[Today’s Paper](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/section\/todayspaper)\n\n[Travel](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/section\/travel)\\|Where and How to See the Total Eclipse This Summer in the U.S.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/07\/10\/travel\/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html\n\n- Share full article\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[SKIP ADVERTISEMENT](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/07\/10\/travel\/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#after-top)\n\nSupported by\n\n[SKIP ADVERTISEMENT](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/07\/10\/travel\/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#after-sponsor)\n\nTrending\n\n# Where and How to See the Total Eclipse This Summer in the U.S.\n- Share full article\n\n![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2017\/07\/10\/travel\/10eclipse\/10eclipse-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n\nA partial solar eclipse seen in Cambodia in March 2016. Next month, there will be a solar eclipse visible from the Oregon coast to South Carolina.Credit...Samrang Pring\/Reuters\n\nBy Dave Seminara and Shivani Vora\n\n- July 10, 2017\n\nCoast-to-coast solar eclipses are an exceedingly rare occurrence: The last one in North America occurred on June 8, 1918, and after this summer’s [Eclipse Across America](https:\/\/eclipse2017.nasa.gov\/), there will not be another one like it until 2045. For about two minutes on Aug. 21, the sun will disappear behind the moon across a narrow band called a “path of totality” from the Oregon coast to South Carolina.\n\nNASA has set up a site for the eclipse ([eclipse2017.nasa.gov](http:\/\/eclipse2017.nasa.gov\/)), which lists the group’s official viewing locations around the country. And a [host of communities](https:\/\/www.greatamericaneclipse.com\/best-places-to-view\/) in the center of the band, including some that rarely host large numbers of tourists, are staking their claims as the best place to watch the eclipse.\n\nA number of other communities in the path, including Columbia, S.C.; Nashville; St. Joseph, Mo.; Casper, Wyo; and [Carbondale, Ill.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/06\/30\/science\/total-solar-eclipse-2017-carbondale-illinois.html), which will have the longest duration of “totality” at 1:21 p.m. for 2 minutes 41 seconds, are preparing for big crowds.\n\nFred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist known as [Mr. Eclipse](http:\/\/www.mreclipse.com\/MrEclipse.html), has watched and photographed 27 solar eclipses on all continents, and says that they are singular experiences everyone should enjoy at least once. He emphasizes that clear weather is key, and that, in this regard, the communities west of the Mississippi River have the best odds. Mr. Espenak will probably be in Casper, where he has a speaking engagement, but he and other eclipse chasers will be watching the weather forecasts, prepared to change plans at the last minute.\n\nAlex Young, the coordinator for NASA’s education and outreach programs, agrees with Mr. Espenak that sites west of the Mississippi have the best odds for good weather, but cautions that travelers need to plan ahead, consult weather forecasts before the eclipse and have a backup plan. He added that prime viewing spots that are easiest to reach could experience problems with congestion and other logistical challenges.\n\n“Roughly 100 million people live within a day’s drive of the path of totality, so we’re really in uncharted territory trying to estimate how many people are going to try to watch this event,” said Mr. Young, who plans to be in [Carbondale for the eclipse](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/06\/30\/science\/total-solar-eclipse-2017-carbondale-illinois.html).\n\nOne backup plan may be an aerial view: Alaska Airlines is [giving away](https:\/\/newsroom.alaskaair.com\/2017-06-26-Alaska-Airlines-plans-flight-to-chase-The-Great-American-Eclipse) two free tickets on an invite-only eclipse charter off the coast of Oregon. Also, NASA will be filming the eclipse at a number of sites across the country and will have multiple streams on [its website](https:\/\/eclipse2017.nasa.gov\/eclipse-live-stream).\n\nBut if you want to see the real thing from the earth, here is a list of eight places that have planned celebrations.\n\n## Editors’ Picks\n[![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/08\/arts\/08CUL-SNL-RECAP\/08CUL-SNL-RECAP-thumbLarge.png)On ‘S.N.L.’, Pete Hegseth Says Iran ‘Isn’t a War, It’s a Situationship’](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/03\/08\/arts\/television\/snl-ryan-gosling-harry-styles-iran-war.html)\n\n[![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/08\/nyregion\/08diary-illos-1\/08diary-illos-1-thumbLarge.jpg)‘As I Entered Her Dimly Lit Living Room, I Stopped in My Tracks’](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/03\/08\/nyregion\/metropolitan-diary.html)\n\n[![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/11\/multimedia\/10cul-mcginley-02-qzfp\/10cul-mcginley-02-qzfp-thumbLarge.jpg)Don’t Fence Ted McGinley In](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/03\/09\/arts\/television\/ted-mcginley-shrinking.html)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[SKIP ADVERTISEMENT](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/07\/10\/travel\/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#after-pp_edpick)\n\n## Small but Stellar\n**Madras, Ore.** It is a largely agricultural community of 6,000 people in central Oregon that is attracting a huge amount of attention from eclipse chasers, given its reliably clear summer weather and position in the center of the path of totality. Hotels in Madras have been sold out for years. The Days Inn, in nearby Bend, Ore., was advertising standard rooms at [\\$1,600 a night](https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Bend-Hotels-Days-Inn-Bend.h24889.Hotel-Information?chkin=8%2F20%2F2017&chkout=8%2F21%2F2017&rm1=a2:c7:c9&regionId=6051534&hwrqCacheKey=34cc647f-feda-4b7f-8574-461d8052a5d6HWRQ1493670587823&vip=false&c=2ca101ef-d501-4659-a068-0099e95580e4&) as of May 1. But officials in Madras say there are still [plenty of campsites](http:\/\/madraseclipse.com\/stay\/), and visitors will have a chance to take in [live music](http:\/\/madraseclipse.com\/play\/), check out a superb [aviation museum](http:\/\/www.ericksoncollection.com\/), hike at [Smith Rock State Park](http:\/\/traveloregon.com\/see-do\/attractions\/outdoors-nature\/smith-rock\/), and sample brews at dozens of [brew pubs in Bend](http:\/\/www.visitbend.com\/Bend_Oregon_Activities_Recreation\/Bend-Ale-Trail\/).\n\nImage\n\n![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2017\/07\/09\/travel\/10eclipse2\/10eclipse2-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n\nHopkinsville, Ky., is where people will get the best view of the solar corona.Credit...Alex Sanz\/Associated Press\n\n**Hopkinsville, Ky.** A farm just outside [Hopkinsville](http:\/\/www.eclipseville.com\/) has the distinction of being considered the “point of greatest eclipse,” which means that from the center of the earth, the moon makes its closest path across the sun there, giving viewers the best view of the solar corona, which some say looks like a bright diamond ring. Brooke Jung, who is coordinating Hopkinsville’s eclipse marketing efforts, says the eclipse is the most exciting thing to happen to the town — which they are now branding “[Eclipseville](http:\/\/www.eclipseville.com\/)” — since the same date (Aug. 21) in 1955, when a dozen “little green men” [allegedly landed nearby in a spaceship](http:\/\/www.kellyky.com\/kellyincident.html).\n\nTimes travel coverage. When our writers review a destination, they do not accept free or discounted services or, in most cases, reveal that they work for The Times. We want their experience to be what you can expect.\n\n[Here’s more on our standards and practices.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/editorial-standards\/ethical-journalism.html#rulesForSpecializedDepartments)\n\nIn addition to their annual [Little Green Men Days](http:\/\/www.kellyky.com\/festival\/lgmfestival.html) festival, which commemorates the extraterrestrial occurrence that supposedly inspired the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” eclipse chasers can drink moonshine at two bourbon distilleries, attend a Comic-Con event, and take in the  [Friday night bluegrass jam](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/2016\/01\/07\/travel\/places-to-visit.html) at the nearby Rosine Barn. Ms. Jung says that the county has closed schools for the day, ordered 100,000 pairs of solar eclipse glasses (\\$1 each), and has requested 85 members of the National Guard to direct traffic.\n\n“It’s like us and the other towns in the center of the path of totality are preparing to host a Super Bowl,” she said.\n\n## Big Blowouts\n**Jefferson City, Mo.** Capital Eclipse Village, in northern Jefferson City is the center of the action, with live music, art installations, circus-style performances, beer and wine stands and children’s activities. The site Capital Eclipse ([capitaleclipse.org](http:\/\/capitaleclipse.org\/)) lists programming there and elsewhere in Jefferson City. The total eclipse is expected at 1:14 p.m. for 2 minutes 29 seconds.\n\n**Lincoln, Neb.** Haymarket Park, near the city center, is one of the largest viewing sites in the area. On the day of the eclipse, professors from the University of Nebraska’s department of physics and astronomy will set up sun-viewing telescopes and will be on hand to answer questions. There are a [number of other places to see the eclipse and ways to celebrate it](http:\/\/www.lincoln.org\/play\/eclipse), including a “ribfest” ahead of the event and a commemorative T-shirts. The eclipse can also be seen from [125 smaller parks](http:\/\/www.lincoln.ne.gov\/city\/parks\/index.htm) in and around Lincoln. Totality is expected at 1:02 p.m. for 1:24. Although most hotels in Lincoln are sold out during the eclipse period, Tracie Simpson of the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau office can help you find accommodations. Contact her at [tsimpson@lincoln.org](mailto:tsimpson@lincoln.org) or 402-434-5339.\n\n**Nashville** The most promising eclipse event is the [Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party](http:\/\/www.adventuresci.org\/default.aspx?p=148771&evtid=589448:8\/20\/2017) at the Adventure Science Center, a popular children’s science museum. Though [the festival starts on Saturday](http:\/\/www.visitmusiccity.com\/eclipse), Aug. 19, the highlight is total eclipse day, where totality is expected at 1:27 p.m. for 1 minute 55 seconds. Indoor activities include multiple showings of Eclipse: The Sun Revealed, a show in the planetarium that the center produced in honor of the eclipse. Outdoors a giant screen will show NASA’s broadcast of the eclipse from space. There will also be science-themed games, food trucks and solar telescope viewing stations. The easiest way to find a place to stay is to search for hotels on [the Music City Solar Eclipse Package](http:\/\/reservations.visitmusiccity.com\/package\/info\/8833\/7213) page, provided by the city’s Convention & Visitors Corp. Make sure that wherever you stay, you [listen to the city’s eclipse Spotify playlist](https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/user\/visitmusiccity\/playlist\/5wi7ryc2XF1W7TNcciRdKt).\n\n**Casper, Wyo.** The community is putting on the [Wyoming Eclipse Festival](http:\/\/eclipsecasper.com\/), a five-day celebration culminating on Aug. 21. The festival has more than 40 events throughout the city, including races, music concerts and space-related exhibits. Also, on Sunday, Aug. 20, Ira Flatow, the host of the public radio show “Science Friday,” will give a speech at Casper College’s Wheeler Concert Hall titled “Science Is Sexy.” On eclipse day, when totality is expected at 11:42 a.m. for 2 minutes 26 seconds, the city will have several viewing events such as Solabration on the Circle, at Bart Rea Learning Circle along the North Platte River, which includes guided yoga, children’s activities, breakfast and viewing glasses. The cost is \\$110 a person plus \\$33 per car for parking. But it will be tough to find a place to stay. All public campgrounds in the area are sold out, and most hotels are also full. “We’re encouraging travelers to consider alternatives such as private land camping or home rentals through sites such as Airbnb,” said Anna Wilcox, the executive director of the Wyoming Eclipse Festival.\n\n**Columbia, S.C.** The [Total Eclipse Weekend](http:\/\/totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com\/) lists more than 50 eclipse events taking place in Columbia from Aug. 18 to 21. One example: [Solar 17 at Lake Murray](http:\/\/totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com\/event\/solar-17-at-lake-murray\/), the city’s largest viewing area, will have tents set up, and guests can receive free water and viewing glasses. Totality is expected at 2:41 p.m. for 2 minutes 36 seconds.\n\n**Charleston, S.C.:** Of the more than 100 eclipse events listed on [Go Dark Charleston](http:\/\/www.charlestoncvb.com\/eclipse\/), one of the largest is expected to be [Eclipse on a Warship](http:\/\/www.charlestoncvb.com\/events\/eclipse-on-a-warship~12330\/?search=&end_date=03\/27\/2022&category=16&start_date=06\/26\/2017), which takes place on the aircraft carrier and warship museum U.S.S. Yorktown. Visitors will be able to catch the eclipse from the boat’s flight deck, where Dr. Christian Iliadis, chairman of the department of physics and astronomy at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, will give a presentation on the eclipse and answer questions. Totality is expected at 2:48 p.m. for between 90 seconds to two and half minutes. A full listing of hotels is available on the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau [site](http:\/\/www.charlestoncvb.com\/special-offers\/packages\/eclipse\/).\n\n**Campsites:** Nearly all the hotels in eclipse viewing destinations are sold out the weekend before the eclipse, but some campgrounds still have spots for tents and offer budget-friendly accommodations. According to [Hipcamp](https:\/\/www.hipcamp.com\/), an online campground booking site, there are more than a 1,000 campsites in the path of totality with availability; most charge \\$100 or less a night, and many charge less than \\$50 a night. For a complete list, visit [hipcamp.com\/discover\/eclipse-2017](http:\/\/hipcamp.com\/discover\/eclipse-2017)\n\n**A correction was made on**\n\nJuly 11, 2017\n\n:\n\nA previous version of this article inaccurately described the radio show “Science Friday.” It is an independently produced show distributed to public radio stations, not a NPR show. The article also misstated the start of the Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party in Nashville. It begins on Aug. 19, not Aug. 20.\n\n***\nWhen we learn of a mistake, we acknowledge it with a correction. If you spot an error, please let us know at [corrections@nytimes.com](mailto:corrections@nytimes.com).[Learn more](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/explain\/2022\/new-york-times-journalism)\n\nA version of this article appears in print on July 23, 2017, Section TR, Page 2 of the New York edition with the headline: Tracking the Sun’s Two-Minute Disappearing Act. [Order Reprints](https:\/\/nytimes.wrightsmedia.com\/) \\| [Today’s Paper](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/section\/todayspaper) \\| [Subscribe](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/subscriptions\/Multiproduct\/lp8HYKU.html?campaignId=48JQY)\n\n- Share full article\n\n### Related Coverage\n[A College Town Gets Ready for Its Moment Under No Sun June 30, 2017 ![A College Town Gets Ready for Its Moment Under No Sun](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2017\/06\/29\/science\/XXECLIPSE_COMBO\/XXECLIPSE_COMBO-thumbLarge-v2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/06\/30\/science\/total-solar-eclipse-2017-carbondale-illinois.html?action=click&module=RelatedCoverage&pgtype=Article&region=Footer)\n\n[Why Some Say the Eclipse Is Best Experienced in a Crowd Aug. 14, 2017 ![Why Some Say the Eclipse Is Best Experienced in a Crowd](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2017\/08\/15\/science\/15SCI-CROWDS10\/11eclipsecrowdf-1502414666913-thumbLarge-v2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/08\/14\/science\/why-some-say-the-eclipse-is-best-experienced-in-a-massive-crowd.html?action=click&module=RelatedCoverage&pgtype=Article&region=Footer)\n\n## Related Content\n### [Solar Eclipse 2017](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/news-event\/solar-eclipse-2017)\nComplete coverage of the total eclipse that will cross the United States on Aug. 21, 2017.\n\n- [The Solar Eclipse: Highlights From Its Path Across the United States](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/08\/21\/science\/solar-eclipse.html)\n  \n  ![Viewers on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge reacted as the eclipse came to Nashville on Monday.](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2017\/08\/22\/science\/22ECLIPSE-live-nashville2\/22ECLIPSE-live-nashville2-thumbLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Joe Buglewicz for The New York Times\n- [Your Photos of A Solar Eclipse’s Journey Across America](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/2017\/08\/21\/science\/eclipse-reader-photos.html)\n  \n  ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2017\/08\/21\/science\/eclipse-reader-photos-1503286448313\/eclipse-reader-photos-1503286448313-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n- [Why Some Say the Eclipse Is Best Experienced in a Crowd](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/08\/14\/science\/why-some-say-the-eclipse-is-best-experienced-in-a-massive-crowd.html)\n  \n  David Gray\/Reuters\n\n### [More in Travel](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/section\/travel)\n- [How Will Rising Oil Prices Affect Airfares? 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The National Park Service warns visitors to be on the lookout for quicksand.](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/08\/multimedia\/08xp-quicksand-fwzj\/08xp-quicksand-fwzj-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Rebecca Noble\/Getty Images\n\n### Editors’ Picks\n- [He Grew Up Watching Her on TV. Years Later, She Joined His World.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/03\/06\/style\/brooke-hyland-brian-thalman-wedding.html)\n  \n  ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/08\/style\/00MINI-HYLAND-THALMAN\/00MINI-HYLAND-THALMAN-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Aislinn Rose Photography\n- [My Sister’s Crime Shattered Our Family. Do I Have to Help Her?](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/03\/07\/magazine\/sisters-crime-family-ethics.html)\n  \n  ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/14\/magazine\/14mag-ethicist\/14mag-ethicist-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Illustration by Tomi Um\n\n### Trending in The Times\n- [Map: 2.3-Magnitude Earthquake Reported North of New York City](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/2026\/03\/10\/us\/quake-tracker-new-york.html)\n  \n  ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/10\/world\/10wea-quake-tracker-new-york-nyt9fmg5-index\/10wea-quake-tracker-new-york-nyt9fmg5-index-square640-v28.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  The New York Times\n- [Have a Montana License Plate in California? Officials Have an Eye on You.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/03\/08\/us\/montana-loophole-cars-california.html)\n  \n  ![The California Attorney General’s Office said that 14 people arranged tax-free sales of vehicles, including this \\$1.5 million Porsche 918 Spyder, by making the purchases in Montana. ](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/08\/multimedia\/08xp-cars1\/08xp-cars-03-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Office of the Attorney General of California\n- [How Healthy Is Cabbage?](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/03\/09\/well\/eat\/cabbage-health-benefits-recipes.html)\n  \n  ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09\/well\/09WELL-HEALTHY-CABBAGE1\/09WELL-HEALTHY-CABBAGE1-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Suzanne Saroff\n- [Forget Florida. 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Then the Ice Started Moving.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/03\/09\/world\/canada\/fishermen-ice-shelf-rescue-canada.html)\n  \n  ![Nearly two dozen people were rescued after they were stranded on breakaway ice by Georgian Bay, north of Toronto, on Sunday.](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09\/multimedia\/09xp-fishing1\/09xp-fishing-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Ontario Provincial Police\n- [Ohio State President Resigns Over ‘Inappropriate Relationship’](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/03\/09\/us\/ohio-state-president-resigns.html)\n  \n  ![Ohio State University president Walter Carter Jr. at Ohio Stadium in Columbus last year.](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09\/multimedia\/09nat-osu-lqzt\/09nat-osu-lqzt-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Jason Mowry\/Getty Images\n- [Book Review: Slouching Toward Bars, Booze and 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partial solar eclipse seen in Cambodia in March 2016. Next month, there will be a solar eclipse visible from the Oregon coast to South Carolina.Credit...Samrang Pring\/Reuters\n\n- July 10, 2017\n\nCoast-to-coast solar eclipses are an exceedingly rare occurrence: The last one in North America occurred on June 8, 1918, and after this summer’s [Eclipse Across America](https:\/\/eclipse2017.nasa.gov\/), there will not be another one like it until 2045. For about two minutes on Aug. 21, the sun will disappear behind the moon across a narrow band called a “path of totality” from the Oregon coast to South Carolina.\n\nNASA has set up a site for the eclipse ([eclipse2017.nasa.gov](http:\/\/eclipse2017.nasa.gov\/)), which lists the group’s official viewing locations around the country. And a [host of communities](https:\/\/www.greatamericaneclipse.com\/best-places-to-view\/) in the center of the band, including some that rarely host large numbers of tourists, are staking their claims as the best place to watch the eclipse.\n\nA number of other communities in the path, including Columbia, S.C.; Nashville; St. Joseph, Mo.; Casper, Wyo; and [Carbondale, Ill.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/06\/30\/science\/total-solar-eclipse-2017-carbondale-illinois.html), which will have the longest duration of “totality” at 1:21 p.m. for 2 minutes 41 seconds, are preparing for big crowds.\n\nFred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist known as [Mr. Eclipse](http:\/\/www.mreclipse.com\/MrEclipse.html), has watched and photographed 27 solar eclipses on all continents, and says that they are singular experiences everyone should enjoy at least once. He emphasizes that clear weather is key, and that, in this regard, the communities west of the Mississippi River have the best odds. Mr. Espenak will probably be in Casper, where he has a speaking engagement, but he and other eclipse chasers will be watching the weather forecasts, prepared to change plans at the last minute.\n\nAlex Young, the coordinator for NASA’s education and outreach programs, agrees with Mr. Espenak that sites west of the Mississippi have the best odds for good weather, but cautions that travelers need to plan ahead, consult weather forecasts before the eclipse and have a backup plan. He added that prime viewing spots that are easiest to reach could experience problems with congestion and other logistical challenges.\n\n“Roughly 100 million people live within a day’s drive of the path of totality, so we’re really in uncharted territory trying to estimate how many people are going to try to watch this event,” said Mr. Young, who plans to be in [Carbondale for the eclipse](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/06\/30\/science\/total-solar-eclipse-2017-carbondale-illinois.html).\n\nOne backup plan may be an aerial view: Alaska Airlines is [giving away](https:\/\/newsroom.alaskaair.com\/2017-06-26-Alaska-Airlines-plans-flight-to-chase-The-Great-American-Eclipse) two free tickets on an invite-only eclipse charter off the coast of Oregon. Also, NASA will be filming the eclipse at a number of sites across the country and will have multiple streams on [its website](https:\/\/eclipse2017.nasa.gov\/eclipse-live-stream).\n\nBut if you want to see the real thing from the earth, here is a list of eight places that have planned celebrations.\n\n## Small but Stellar\n**Madras, Ore.** It is a largely agricultural community of 6,000 people in central Oregon that is attracting a huge amount of attention from eclipse chasers, given its reliably clear summer weather and position in the center of the path of totality. Hotels in Madras have been sold out for years. The Days Inn, in nearby Bend, Ore., was advertising standard rooms at [\\$1,600 a night](https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Bend-Hotels-Days-Inn-Bend.h24889.Hotel-Information?chkin=8%2F20%2F2017&chkout=8%2F21%2F2017&rm1=a2:c7:c9&regionId=6051534&hwrqCacheKey=34cc647f-feda-4b7f-8574-461d8052a5d6HWRQ1493670587823&vip=false&c=2ca101ef-d501-4659-a068-0099e95580e4&) as of May 1. But officials in Madras say there are still [plenty of campsites](http:\/\/madraseclipse.com\/stay\/), and visitors will have a chance to take in [live music](http:\/\/madraseclipse.com\/play\/), check out a superb [aviation museum](http:\/\/www.ericksoncollection.com\/), hike at [Smith Rock State Park](http:\/\/traveloregon.com\/see-do\/attractions\/outdoors-nature\/smith-rock\/), and sample brews at dozens of [brew pubs in Bend](http:\/\/www.visitbend.com\/Bend_Oregon_Activities_Recreation\/Bend-Ale-Trail\/).\n\nImage\n\n![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2017\/07\/09\/travel\/10eclipse2\/10eclipse2-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n\nHopkinsville, Ky., is where people will get the best view of the solar corona.Credit...Alex Sanz\/Associated Press\n\n**Hopkinsville, Ky.** A farm just outside [Hopkinsville](http:\/\/www.eclipseville.com\/) has the distinction of being considered the “point of greatest eclipse,” which means that from the center of the earth, the moon makes its closest path across the sun there, giving viewers the best view of the solar corona, which some say looks like a bright diamond ring. Brooke Jung, who is coordinating Hopkinsville’s eclipse marketing efforts, says the eclipse is the most exciting thing to happen to the town — which they are now branding “[Eclipseville](http:\/\/www.eclipseville.com\/)” — since the same date (Aug. 21) in 1955, when a dozen “little green men” [allegedly landed nearby in a spaceship](http:\/\/www.kellyky.com\/kellyincident.html).\n\nTimes travel coverage. When our writers review a destination, they do not accept free or discounted services or, in most cases, reveal that they work for The Times. We want their experience to be what you can expect.\n\nIn addition to their annual [Little Green Men Days](http:\/\/www.kellyky.com\/festival\/lgmfestival.html) festival, which commemorates the extraterrestrial occurrence that supposedly inspired the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” eclipse chasers can drink moonshine at two bourbon distilleries, attend a Comic-Con event, and take in the  [Friday night bluegrass jam](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/2016\/01\/07\/travel\/places-to-visit.html) at the nearby Rosine Barn. Ms. Jung says that the county has closed schools for the day, ordered 100,000 pairs of solar eclipse glasses (\\$1 each), and has requested 85 members of the National Guard to direct traffic.\n\n“It’s like us and the other towns in the center of the path of totality are preparing to host a Super Bowl,” she said.\n\n## Big Blowouts\n**Jefferson City, Mo.** Capital Eclipse Village, in northern Jefferson City is the center of the action, with live music, art installations, circus-style performances, beer and wine stands and children’s activities. The site Capital Eclipse ([capitaleclipse.org](http:\/\/capitaleclipse.org\/)) lists programming there and elsewhere in Jefferson City. The total eclipse is expected at 1:14 p.m. for 2 minutes 29 seconds.\n\n**Lincoln, Neb.** Haymarket Park, near the city center, is one of the largest viewing sites in the area. On the day of the eclipse, professors from the University of Nebraska’s department of physics and astronomy will set up sun-viewing telescopes and will be on hand to answer questions. There are a [number of other places to see the eclipse and ways to celebrate it](http:\/\/www.lincoln.org\/play\/eclipse), including a “ribfest” ahead of the event and a commemorative T-shirts. The eclipse can also be seen from [125 smaller parks](http:\/\/www.lincoln.ne.gov\/city\/parks\/index.htm) in and around Lincoln. Totality is expected at 1:02 p.m. for 1:24. Although most hotels in Lincoln are sold out during the eclipse period, Tracie Simpson of the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau office can help you find accommodations. Contact her at [tsimpson@lincoln.org](mailto:tsimpson@lincoln.org) or 402-434-5339.\n\n**Nashville** The most promising eclipse event is the [Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party](http:\/\/www.adventuresci.org\/default.aspx?p=148771&evtid=589448:8\/20\/2017) at the Adventure Science Center, a popular children’s science museum. Though [the festival starts on Saturday](http:\/\/www.visitmusiccity.com\/eclipse), Aug. 19, the highlight is total eclipse day, where totality is expected at 1:27 p.m. for 1 minute 55 seconds. Indoor activities include multiple showings of Eclipse: The Sun Revealed, a show in the planetarium that the center produced in honor of the eclipse. Outdoors a giant screen will show NASA’s broadcast of the eclipse from space. There will also be science-themed games, food trucks and solar telescope viewing stations. The easiest way to find a place to stay is to search for hotels on [the Music City Solar Eclipse Package](http:\/\/reservations.visitmusiccity.com\/package\/info\/8833\/7213) page, provided by the city’s Convention & Visitors Corp. Make sure that wherever you stay, you [listen to the city’s eclipse Spotify playlist](https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/user\/visitmusiccity\/playlist\/5wi7ryc2XF1W7TNcciRdKt).\n\n**Casper, Wyo.** The community is putting on the [Wyoming Eclipse Festival](http:\/\/eclipsecasper.com\/), a five-day celebration culminating on Aug. 21. The festival has more than 40 events throughout the city, including races, music concerts and space-related exhibits. Also, on Sunday, Aug. 20, Ira Flatow, the host of the public radio show “Science Friday,” will give a speech at Casper College’s Wheeler Concert Hall titled “Science Is Sexy.” On eclipse day, when totality is expected at 11:42 a.m. for 2 minutes 26 seconds, the city will have several viewing events such as Solabration on the Circle, at Bart Rea Learning Circle along the North Platte River, which includes guided yoga, children’s activities, breakfast and viewing glasses. The cost is \\$110 a person plus \\$33 per car for parking. But it will be tough to find a place to stay. All public campgrounds in the area are sold out, and most hotels are also full. “We’re encouraging travelers to consider alternatives such as private land camping or home rentals through sites such as Airbnb,” said Anna Wilcox, the executive director of the Wyoming Eclipse Festival.\n\n**Columbia, S.C.** The [Total Eclipse Weekend](http:\/\/totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com\/) lists more than 50 eclipse events taking place in Columbia from Aug. 18 to 21. One example: [Solar 17 at Lake Murray](http:\/\/totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com\/event\/solar-17-at-lake-murray\/), the city’s largest viewing area, will have tents set up, and guests can receive free water and viewing glasses. Totality is expected at 2:41 p.m. for 2 minutes 36 seconds.\n\n**Charleston, S.C.:** Of the more than 100 eclipse events listed on [Go Dark Charleston](http:\/\/www.charlestoncvb.com\/eclipse\/), one of the largest is expected to be [Eclipse on a Warship](http:\/\/www.charlestoncvb.com\/events\/eclipse-on-a-warship~12330\/?search=&end_date=03\/27\/2022&category=16&start_date=06\/26\/2017), which takes place on the aircraft carrier and warship museum U.S.S. Yorktown. Visitors will be able to catch the eclipse from the boat’s flight deck, where Dr. Christian Iliadis, chairman of the department of physics and astronomy at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, will give a presentation on the eclipse and answer questions. Totality is expected at 2:48 p.m. for between 90 seconds to two and half minutes. A full listing of hotels is available on the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau [site](http:\/\/www.charlestoncvb.com\/special-offers\/packages\/eclipse\/).\n\n**Campsites:** Nearly all the hotels in eclipse viewing destinations are sold out the weekend before the eclipse, but some campgrounds still have spots for tents and offer budget-friendly accommodations. According to [Hipcamp](https:\/\/www.hipcamp.com\/), an online campground booking site, there are more than a 1,000 campsites in the path of totality with availability; most charge \\$100 or less a night, and many charge less than \\$50 a night. For a complete list, visit [hipcamp.com\/discover\/eclipse-2017](http:\/\/hipcamp.com\/discover\/eclipse-2017)\n\n**A correction was made on**\n\nJuly 11, 2017\n\n:\n\nA previous version of this article inaccurately described the radio show “Science Friday.” It is an independently produced show distributed to public radio stations, not a NPR show. The article also misstated the start of the Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party in Nashville. It begins on Aug. 19, not Aug. 20.\n\nA version of this article appears in print on July 23, 2017, Section TR, Page 2 of the New York edition with the headline: Tracking the Sun’s Two-Minute Disappearing Act. [Order Reprints](https:\/\/nytimes.wrightsmedia.com\/) \\| [Today’s Paper](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/section\/todayspaper) \\| [Subscribe](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/subscriptions\/Multiproduct\/lp8HYKU.html?campaignId=48JQY)\n\n## Related Content\n[Solar Eclipse 2017](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/news-event\/solar-eclipse-2017)\n\nComplete coverage of the total eclipse that will cross the United States on Aug. 21, 2017.\n\n- ![Viewers on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge reacted as the eclipse came to Nashville on Monday.](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2017\/08\/22\/science\/22ECLIPSE-live-nashville2\/22ECLIPSE-live-nashville2-thumbLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Joe Buglewicz for The New York Times\n- ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2017\/08\/21\/science\/eclipse-reader-photos-1503286448313\/eclipse-reader-photos-1503286448313-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n- David Gray\/Reuters\n\n[More in Travel](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/section\/travel)\n\n- ![How much the cost of an airline ticket may rise is unclear. The last time oil rose more than 40 percent — in 2022, on the heels of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — airfares jumped 28 percent.](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09\/multimedia\/00Trav-Airline-Prices-Gulf-Conflict-cmbz\/00Trav-Airline-Prices-Gulf-Conflict-cmbz-square640-v2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Raghed Waked\/Reuters\n- ![Carolin Widmann was boarding a plane with a Guadagnini violin, made in 1782, when she was instructed to take it out of its case. ](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/02\/24\/multimedia\/00xp-instruments-widmann\/00xp-instruments-widmann-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Brill\/ullstein bild, via Getty Images\n- ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/03\/travel\/00trav-rivercruise-illo-sub\/00trav-rivercruise-illo-sub-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Philip Lindeman\n- ![The Colorado River near the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona in July. The National Park Service warns visitors to be on the lookout for quicksand.](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/08\/multimedia\/08xp-quicksand-fwzj\/08xp-quicksand-fwzj-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Rebecca Noble\/Getty Images\n\nEditors’ Picks\n\n- ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/08\/style\/00MINI-HYLAND-THALMAN\/00MINI-HYLAND-THALMAN-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Aislinn Rose Photography\n- ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/14\/magazine\/14mag-ethicist\/14mag-ethicist-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)\n  \n  Illustration by Tomi Um\n\nTrending in The Times\n\n- ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/10\/world\/10wea-quake-tracker-new-york-nyt9fmg5-index\/10wea-quake-tracker-new-york-nyt9fmg5-index-square640-v28.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  The New York Times\n- ![The California Attorney General’s Office said that 14 people arranged tax-free sales of vehicles, including this \\$1.5 million Porsche 918 Spyder, by making the purchases in Montana. ](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/08\/multimedia\/08xp-cars1\/08xp-cars-03-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Office of the Attorney General of California\n- ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09\/well\/09WELL-HEALTHY-CABBAGE1\/09WELL-HEALTHY-CABBAGE1-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Suzanne Saroff\n- ![Bob Krinsky, 65, moved to a two-bedroom apartment with sweeping, 47th-floor views of the Manhattan skyline to be closer to his two grown sons after his 30-year marriage ended. ](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/07\/multimedia\/07met-older-new-yorkers-vhqw\/07met-older-new-yorkers-vhqw-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n- ![Nearly two dozen people were rescued after they were stranded on breakaway ice by Georgian Bay, north of Toronto, on Sunday.](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09\/multimedia\/09xp-fishing1\/09xp-fishing-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Ontario Provincial Police\n- ![Ohio State University president Walter Carter Jr. at Ohio Stadium in Columbus last year.](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09\/multimedia\/09nat-osu-lqzt\/09nat-osu-lqzt-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Jason Mowry\/Getty Images\n- ![Saba Sams was raised in Brighton, England, the setting of her debut novel, “Gunk.”](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/04\/books\/review\/00saba-sams-author\/00saba-sams-author-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Alice Zoo\n- ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/04\/05\/multimedia\/05ai-callout-fklh\/05ai-callout-fklh-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Kelsey McClellan for The New York Times\n- ![](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/10\/multimedia\/09friedman-jkbc\/09friedman-jkbc-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Nanna Heitmann for The New York Times\n- ![Antonio Wiley at the gravesite of his mother, Anita Wiley, who died in 1987. ](https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2026\/03\/01\/multimedia\/01nat-detroit-cold-cases-1-qckg\/01nat-detroit-cold-cases-1-qckg-square640.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=350)\n  \n  Nic Antaya for The New York Times\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[SKIP ADVERTISEMENT](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/07\/10\/travel\/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#after-bottom)","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Where and How to See the Total Eclipse This Summer in the U.S. - The New York Times
Meta Description	On Aug. 21, the sun’s disappearance behind the moon will be visible from the Oregon coast to South Carolina. Here are eight places to see it.
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Boilerpipe Text	Advertisement SKIP ADVERTISEMENT Trending A partial solar eclipse seen in Cambodia in March 2016. Next month, there will be a solar eclipse visible from the Oregon coast to South Carolina. Credit... Samrang Pring/Reuters July 10, 2017 Coast-to-coast solar eclipses are an exceedingly rare occurrence: The last one in North America occurred on June 8, 1918, and after this summer’s Eclipse Across America , there will not be another one like it until 2045. For about two minutes on Aug. 21, the sun will disappear behind the moon across a narrow band called a “path of totality” from the Oregon coast to South Carolina. NASA has set up a site for the eclipse ( eclipse2017.nasa.gov ), which lists the group’s official viewing locations around the country. And a host of communities in the center of the band, including some that rarely host large numbers of tourists, are staking their claims as the best place to watch the eclipse. A number of other communities in the path, including Columbia, S.C.; Nashville; St. Joseph, Mo.; Casper, Wyo; and Carbondale, Ill. , which will have the longest duration of “totality” at 1:21 p.m. for 2 minutes 41 seconds, are preparing for big crowds. Fred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist known as Mr. Eclipse , has watched and photographed 27 solar eclipses on all continents, and says that they are singular experiences everyone should enjoy at least once. He emphasizes that clear weather is key, and that, in this regard, the communities west of the Mississippi River have the best odds. Mr. Espenak will probably be in Casper, where he has a speaking engagement, but he and other eclipse chasers will be watching the weather forecasts, prepared to change plans at the last minute. Alex Young, the coordinator for NASA’s education and outreach programs, agrees with Mr. Espenak that sites west of the Mississippi have the best odds for good weather, but cautions that travelers need to plan ahead, consult weather forecasts before the eclipse and have a backup plan. He added that prime viewing spots that are easiest to reach could experience problems with congestion and other logistical challenges. “Roughly 100 million people live within a day’s drive of the path of totality, so we’re really in uncharted territory trying to estimate how many people are going to try to watch this event,” said Mr. Young, who plans to be in Carbondale for the eclipse . One backup plan may be an aerial view: Alaska Airlines is giving away two free tickets on an invite-only eclipse charter off the coast of Oregon. Also, NASA will be filming the eclipse at a number of sites across the country and will have multiple streams on its website . But if you want to see the real thing from the earth, here is a list of eight places that have planned celebrations. Small but Stellar Madras, Ore. It is a largely agricultural community of 6,000 people in central Oregon that is attracting a huge amount of attention from eclipse chasers, given its reliably clear summer weather and position in the center of the path of totality. Hotels in Madras have been sold out for years. The Days Inn, in nearby Bend, Ore., was advertising standard rooms at $1,600 a night as of May 1. But officials in Madras say there are still plenty of campsites , and visitors will have a chance to take in live music , check out a superb aviation museum , hike at Smith Rock State Park , and sample brews at dozens of brew pubs in Bend . Image Hopkinsville, Ky., is where people will get the best view of the solar corona. Credit... Alex Sanz/Associated Press Hopkinsville, Ky. A farm just outside Hopkinsville has the distinction of being considered the “point of greatest eclipse,” which means that from the center of the earth, the moon makes its closest path across the sun there, giving viewers the best view of the solar corona, which some say looks like a bright diamond ring. Brooke Jung, who is coordinating Hopkinsville’s eclipse marketing efforts, says the eclipse is the most exciting thing to happen to the town — which they are now branding “ Eclipseville ” — since the same date (Aug. 21) in 1955, when a dozen “little green men” allegedly landed nearby in a spaceship . Times travel coverage. When our writers review a destination, they do not accept free or discounted services or, in most cases, reveal that they work for The Times. We want their experience to be what you can expect. In addition to their annual Little Green Men Days festival, which commemorates the extraterrestrial occurrence that supposedly inspired the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” eclipse chasers can drink moonshine at two bourbon distilleries, attend a Comic-Con event, and take in the Friday night bluegrass jam at the nearby Rosine Barn. Ms. Jung says that the county has closed schools for the day, ordered 100,000 pairs of solar eclipse glasses ($1 each), and has requested 85 members of the National Guard to direct traffic. “It’s like us and the other towns in the center of the path of totality are preparing to host a Super Bowl,” she said. Big Blowouts Jefferson City, Mo. Capital Eclipse Village, in northern Jefferson City is the center of the action, with live music, art installations, circus-style performances, beer and wine stands and children’s activities. The site Capital Eclipse ( capitaleclipse.org ) lists programming there and elsewhere in Jefferson City. The total eclipse is expected at 1:14 p.m. for 2 minutes 29 seconds. Lincoln, Neb. Haymarket Park, near the city center, is one of the largest viewing sites in the area. On the day of the eclipse, professors from the University of Nebraska’s department of physics and astronomy will set up sun-viewing telescopes and will be on hand to answer questions. There are a number of other places to see the eclipse and ways to celebrate it , including a “ribfest” ahead of the event and a commemorative T-shirts. The eclipse can also be seen from 125 smaller parks in and around Lincoln. Totality is expected at 1:02 p.m. for 1:24. Although most hotels in Lincoln are sold out during the eclipse period, Tracie Simpson of the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau office can help you find accommodations. Contact her at tsimpson@lincoln.org or 402-434-5339. Nashville The most promising eclipse event is the Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party at the Adventure Science Center, a popular children’s science museum. Though the festival starts on Saturday , Aug. 19, the highlight is total eclipse day, where totality is expected at 1:27 p.m. for 1 minute 55 seconds. Indoor activities include multiple showings of Eclipse: The Sun Revealed, a show in the planetarium that the center produced in honor of the eclipse. Outdoors a giant screen will show NASA’s broadcast of the eclipse from space. There will also be science-themed games, food trucks and solar telescope viewing stations. The easiest way to find a place to stay is to search for hotels on the Music City Solar Eclipse Package page, provided by the city’s Convention & Visitors Corp. Make sure that wherever you stay, you listen to the city’s eclipse Spotify playlist . Casper, Wyo. The community is putting on the Wyoming Eclipse Festival , a five-day celebration culminating on Aug. 21. The festival has more than 40 events throughout the city, including races, music concerts and space-related exhibits. Also, on Sunday, Aug. 20, Ira Flatow, the host of the public radio show “Science Friday,” will give a speech at Casper College’s Wheeler Concert Hall titled “Science Is Sexy.” On eclipse day, when totality is expected at 11:42 a.m. for 2 minutes 26 seconds, the city will have several viewing events such as Solabration on the Circle, at Bart Rea Learning Circle along the North Platte River, which includes guided yoga, children’s activities, breakfast and viewing glasses. The cost is $110 a person plus $33 per car for parking. But it will be tough to find a place to stay. All public campgrounds in the area are sold out, and most hotels are also full. “We’re encouraging travelers to consider alternatives such as private land camping or home rentals through sites such as Airbnb,” said Anna Wilcox, the executive director of the Wyoming Eclipse Festival. Columbia, S.C. The Total Eclipse Weekend lists more than 50 eclipse events taking place in Columbia from Aug. 18 to 21. One example: Solar 17 at Lake Murray , the city’s largest viewing area, will have tents set up, and guests can receive free water and viewing glasses. Totality is expected at 2:41 p.m. for 2 minutes 36 seconds. Charleston, S.C.: Of the more than 100 eclipse events listed on Go Dark Charleston , one of the largest is expected to be Eclipse on a Warship , which takes place on the aircraft carrier and warship museum U.S.S. Yorktown. Visitors will be able to catch the eclipse from the boat’s flight deck, where Dr. Christian Iliadis, chairman of the department of physics and astronomy at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, will give a presentation on the eclipse and answer questions. Totality is expected at 2:48 p.m. for between 90 seconds to two and half minutes. A full listing of hotels is available on the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau site . Campsites: Nearly all the hotels in eclipse viewing destinations are sold out the weekend before the eclipse, but some campgrounds still have spots for tents and offer budget-friendly accommodations. According to Hipcamp , an online campground booking site, there are more than a 1,000 campsites in the path of totality with availability; most charge $100 or less a night, and many charge less than $50 a night. For a complete list, visit hipcamp.com/discover/eclipse-2017 A correction was made on July 11, 2017 : A previous version of this article inaccurately described the radio show “Science Friday.” It is an independently produced show distributed to public radio stations, not a NPR show. The article also misstated the start of the Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party in Nashville. It begins on Aug. 19, not Aug. 20. A version of this article appears in print on July 23, 2017 , Section TR, Page 2 of the New York edition with the headline: Tracking the Sun’s Two-Minute Disappearing Act . Order Reprints \| Today’s Paper \| Subscribe Related Content Solar Eclipse 2017 Complete coverage of the total eclipse that will cross the United States on Aug. 21, 2017. Joe Buglewicz for The New York Times David Gray/Reuters More in Travel Raghed Waked/Reuters Brill/ullstein bild, via Getty Images Philip Lindeman Rebecca Noble/Getty Images Editors’ Picks Aislinn Rose Photography Illustration by Tomi Um Trending in The Times The New York Times Office of the Attorney General of California Suzanne Saroff Ontario Provincial Police Jason Mowry/Getty Images Alice Zoo Kelsey McClellan for The New York Times Nanna Heitmann for The New York Times Nic Antaya for The New York Times Advertisement SKIP ADVERTISEMENT
Markdown	[Skip to content](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/travel/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#site-content)[Skip to site index](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/travel/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#site-index) Search & Section Navigation Section Navigation Search [Travel](https://www.nytimes.com/section/travel) [Log in](https://myaccount.nytimes.com/auth/login?response_type=cookie&client_id=vi&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fsubscription%2Fonboarding-offer%3FcampaignId%3D7JFJX%26EXIT_URI%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nytimes.com%252F2017%252F07%252F10%252Ftravel%252Fwhere-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html&asset=masthead) Tuesday, March 10, 2026 [Today’s Paper](https://www.nytimes.com/section/todayspaper) [Travel](https://www.nytimes.com/section/travel)\\|Where and How to See the Total Eclipse This Summer in the U.S. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/travel/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html - Share full article Advertisement [SKIP ADVERTISEMENT](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/travel/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#after-top) Supported by [SKIP ADVERTISEMENT](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/travel/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#after-sponsor) Trending # Where and How to See the Total Eclipse This Summer in the U.S. - Share full article ![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/07/10/travel/10eclipse/10eclipse-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale) A partial solar eclipse seen in Cambodia in March 2016. Next month, there will be a solar eclipse visible from the Oregon coast to South Carolina.Credit...Samrang Pring/Reuters By Dave Seminara and Shivani Vora - July 10, 2017 Coast-to-coast solar eclipses are an exceedingly rare occurrence: The last one in North America occurred on June 8, 1918, and after this summer’s [Eclipse Across America](https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/), there will not be another one like it until 2045. For about two minutes on Aug. 21, the sun will disappear behind the moon across a narrow band called a “path of totality” from the Oregon coast to South Carolina. NASA has set up a site for the eclipse ([eclipse2017.nasa.gov](http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/)), which lists the group’s official viewing locations around the country. And a [host of communities](https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/best-places-to-view/) in the center of the band, including some that rarely host large numbers of tourists, are staking their claims as the best place to watch the eclipse. A number of other communities in the path, including Columbia, S.C.; Nashville; St. Joseph, Mo.; Casper, Wyo; and [Carbondale, Ill.](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/science/total-solar-eclipse-2017-carbondale-illinois.html), which will have the longest duration of “totality” at 1:21 p.m. for 2 minutes 41 seconds, are preparing for big crowds. Fred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist known as [Mr. Eclipse](http://www.mreclipse.com/MrEclipse.html), has watched and photographed 27 solar eclipses on all continents, and says that they are singular experiences everyone should enjoy at least once. He emphasizes that clear weather is key, and that, in this regard, the communities west of the Mississippi River have the best odds. Mr. Espenak will probably be in Casper, where he has a speaking engagement, but he and other eclipse chasers will be watching the weather forecasts, prepared to change plans at the last minute. Alex Young, the coordinator for NASA’s education and outreach programs, agrees with Mr. Espenak that sites west of the Mississippi have the best odds for good weather, but cautions that travelers need to plan ahead, consult weather forecasts before the eclipse and have a backup plan. He added that prime viewing spots that are easiest to reach could experience problems with congestion and other logistical challenges. “Roughly 100 million people live within a day’s drive of the path of totality, so we’re really in uncharted territory trying to estimate how many people are going to try to watch this event,” said Mr. Young, who plans to be in [Carbondale for the eclipse](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/science/total-solar-eclipse-2017-carbondale-illinois.html). One backup plan may be an aerial view: Alaska Airlines is [giving away](https://newsroom.alaskaair.com/2017-06-26-Alaska-Airlines-plans-flight-to-chase-The-Great-American-Eclipse) two free tickets on an invite-only eclipse charter off the coast of Oregon. Also, NASA will be filming the eclipse at a number of sites across the country and will have multiple streams on [its website](https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-live-stream). But if you want to see the real thing from the earth, here is a list of eight places that have planned celebrations. ## Editors’ Picks [![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2026/03/08/arts/08CUL-SNL-RECAP/08CUL-SNL-RECAP-thumbLarge.png)On ‘S.N.L.’, Pete Hegseth Says Iran ‘Isn’t a War, It’s a Situationship’](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/08/arts/television/snl-ryan-gosling-harry-styles-iran-war.html) [![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2026/03/08/nyregion/08diary-illos-1/08diary-illos-1-thumbLarge.jpg)‘As I Entered Her Dimly Lit Living Room, I Stopped in My Tracks’](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/08/nyregion/metropolitan-diary.html) [![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2026/03/11/multimedia/10cul-mcginley-02-qzfp/10cul-mcginley-02-qzfp-thumbLarge.jpg)Don’t Fence Ted McGinley In](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/09/arts/television/ted-mcginley-shrinking.html) Advertisement [SKIP ADVERTISEMENT](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/travel/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#after-pp_edpick) ## Small but Stellar Madras, Ore. It is a largely agricultural community of 6,000 people in central Oregon that is attracting a huge amount of attention from eclipse chasers, given its reliably clear summer weather and position in the center of the path of totality. Hotels in Madras have been sold out for years. The Days Inn, in nearby Bend, Ore., was advertising standard rooms at [\$1,600 a night](https://www.expedia.com/Bend-Hotels-Days-Inn-Bend.h24889.Hotel-Information?chkin=8%2F20%2F2017&chkout=8%2F21%2F2017&rm1=a2:c7:c9&regionId=6051534&hwrqCacheKey=34cc647f-feda-4b7f-8574-461d8052a5d6HWRQ1493670587823&vip=false&c=2ca101ef-d501-4659-a068-0099e95580e4&) as of May 1. But officials in Madras say there are still [plenty of campsites](http://madraseclipse.com/stay/), and visitors will have a chance to take in [live music](http://madraseclipse.com/play/), check out a superb [aviation museum](http://www.ericksoncollection.com/), hike at [Smith Rock State Park](http://traveloregon.com/see-do/attractions/outdoors-nature/smith-rock/), and sample brews at dozens of [brew pubs in Bend](http://www.visitbend.com/Bend_Oregon_Activities_Recreation/Bend-Ale-Trail/). Image ![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/07/09/travel/10eclipse2/10eclipse2-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale) Hopkinsville, Ky., is where people will get the best view of the solar corona.Credit...Alex Sanz/Associated Press Hopkinsville, Ky. A farm just outside [Hopkinsville](http://www.eclipseville.com/) has the distinction of being considered the “point of greatest eclipse,” which means that from the center of the earth, the moon makes its closest path across the sun there, giving viewers the best view of the solar corona, which some say looks like a bright diamond ring. Brooke Jung, who is coordinating Hopkinsville’s eclipse marketing efforts, says the eclipse is the most exciting thing to happen to the town — which they are now branding “[Eclipseville](http://www.eclipseville.com/)” — since the same date (Aug. 21) in 1955, when a dozen “little green men” [allegedly landed nearby in a spaceship](http://www.kellyky.com/kellyincident.html). Times travel coverage. When our writers review a destination, they do not accept free or discounted services or, in most cases, reveal that they work for The Times. We want their experience to be what you can expect. [Here’s more on our standards and practices.](https://www.nytimes.com/editorial-standards/ethical-journalism.html#rulesForSpecializedDepartments) In addition to their annual [Little Green Men Days](http://www.kellyky.com/festival/lgmfestival.html) festival, which commemorates the extraterrestrial occurrence that supposedly inspired the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” eclipse chasers can drink moonshine at two bourbon distilleries, attend a Comic-Con event, and take in the [Friday night bluegrass jam](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/07/travel/places-to-visit.html) at the nearby Rosine Barn. Ms. Jung says that the county has closed schools for the day, ordered 100,000 pairs of solar eclipse glasses (\$1 each), and has requested 85 members of the National Guard to direct traffic. “It’s like us and the other towns in the center of the path of totality are preparing to host a Super Bowl,” she said. ## Big Blowouts Jefferson City, Mo. Capital Eclipse Village, in northern Jefferson City is the center of the action, with live music, art installations, circus-style performances, beer and wine stands and children’s activities. The site Capital Eclipse ([capitaleclipse.org](http://capitaleclipse.org/)) lists programming there and elsewhere in Jefferson City. The total eclipse is expected at 1:14 p.m. for 2 minutes 29 seconds. Lincoln, Neb. Haymarket Park, near the city center, is one of the largest viewing sites in the area. On the day of the eclipse, professors from the University of Nebraska’s department of physics and astronomy will set up sun-viewing telescopes and will be on hand to answer questions. There are a [number of other places to see the eclipse and ways to celebrate it](http://www.lincoln.org/play/eclipse), including a “ribfest” ahead of the event and a commemorative T-shirts. The eclipse can also be seen from [125 smaller parks](http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/index.htm) in and around Lincoln. Totality is expected at 1:02 p.m. for 1:24. Although most hotels in Lincoln are sold out during the eclipse period, Tracie Simpson of the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau office can help you find accommodations. Contact her at [tsimpson@lincoln.org](mailto:tsimpson@lincoln.org) or 402-434-5339. Nashville The most promising eclipse event is the [Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party](http://www.adventuresci.org/default.aspx?p=148771&evtid=589448:8/20/2017) at the Adventure Science Center, a popular children’s science museum. Though [the festival starts on Saturday](http://www.visitmusiccity.com/eclipse), Aug. 19, the highlight is total eclipse day, where totality is expected at 1:27 p.m. for 1 minute 55 seconds. Indoor activities include multiple showings of Eclipse: The Sun Revealed, a show in the planetarium that the center produced in honor of the eclipse. Outdoors a giant screen will show NASA’s broadcast of the eclipse from space. There will also be science-themed games, food trucks and solar telescope viewing stations. The easiest way to find a place to stay is to search for hotels on [the Music City Solar Eclipse Package](http://reservations.visitmusiccity.com/package/info/8833/7213) page, provided by the city’s Convention & Visitors Corp. Make sure that wherever you stay, you [listen to the city’s eclipse Spotify playlist](https://open.spotify.com/user/visitmusiccity/playlist/5wi7ryc2XF1W7TNcciRdKt). Casper, Wyo. The community is putting on the [Wyoming Eclipse Festival](http://eclipsecasper.com/), a five-day celebration culminating on Aug. 21. The festival has more than 40 events throughout the city, including races, music concerts and space-related exhibits. Also, on Sunday, Aug. 20, Ira Flatow, the host of the public radio show “Science Friday,” will give a speech at Casper College’s Wheeler Concert Hall titled “Science Is Sexy.” On eclipse day, when totality is expected at 11:42 a.m. for 2 minutes 26 seconds, the city will have several viewing events such as Solabration on the Circle, at Bart Rea Learning Circle along the North Platte River, which includes guided yoga, children’s activities, breakfast and viewing glasses. The cost is \$110 a person plus \$33 per car for parking. But it will be tough to find a place to stay. All public campgrounds in the area are sold out, and most hotels are also full. “We’re encouraging travelers to consider alternatives such as private land camping or home rentals through sites such as Airbnb,” said Anna Wilcox, the executive director of the Wyoming Eclipse Festival. Columbia, S.C. The [Total Eclipse Weekend](http://totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com/) lists more than 50 eclipse events taking place in Columbia from Aug. 18 to 21. One example: [Solar 17 at Lake Murray](http://totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com/event/solar-17-at-lake-murray/), the city’s largest viewing area, will have tents set up, and guests can receive free water and viewing glasses. Totality is expected at 2:41 p.m. for 2 minutes 36 seconds. Charleston, S.C.: Of the more than 100 eclipse events listed on [Go Dark Charleston](http://www.charlestoncvb.com/eclipse/), one of the largest is expected to be [Eclipse on a Warship](http://www.charlestoncvb.com/events/eclipse-on-a-warship~12330/?search=&end_date=03/27/2022&category=16&start_date=06/26/2017), which takes place on the aircraft carrier and warship museum U.S.S. Yorktown. Visitors will be able to catch the eclipse from the boat’s flight deck, where Dr. Christian Iliadis, chairman of the department of physics and astronomy at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, will give a presentation on the eclipse and answer questions. Totality is expected at 2:48 p.m. for between 90 seconds to two and half minutes. A full listing of hotels is available on the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau [site](http://www.charlestoncvb.com/special-offers/packages/eclipse/). Campsites: Nearly all the hotels in eclipse viewing destinations are sold out the weekend before the eclipse, but some campgrounds still have spots for tents and offer budget-friendly accommodations. According to [Hipcamp](https://www.hipcamp.com/), an online campground booking site, there are more than a 1,000 campsites in the path of totality with availability; most charge \$100 or less a night, and many charge less than \$50 a night. For a complete list, visit [hipcamp.com/discover/eclipse-2017](http://hipcamp.com/discover/eclipse-2017) A correction was made on July 11, 2017 : A previous version of this article inaccurately described the radio show “Science Friday.” It is an independently produced show distributed to public radio stations, not a NPR show. The article also misstated the start of the Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party in Nashville. It begins on Aug. 19, not Aug. 20. *** When we learn of a mistake, we acknowledge it with a correction. If you spot an error, please let us know at [corrections@nytimes.com](mailto:corrections@nytimes.com).[Learn more](https://www.nytimes.com/explain/2022/new-york-times-journalism) A version of this article appears in print on July 23, 2017, Section TR, Page 2 of the New York edition with the headline: Tracking the Sun’s Two-Minute Disappearing Act. [Order Reprints](https://nytimes.wrightsmedia.com/) \\| [Today’s Paper](https://www.nytimes.com/section/todayspaper) \\| [Subscribe](https://www.nytimes.com/subscriptions/Multiproduct/lp8HYKU.html?campaignId=48JQY) - Share full article ### Related Coverage [A College Town Gets Ready for Its Moment Under No Sun June 30, 2017 ![A College Town Gets Ready for Its Moment Under No Sun](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/06/29/science/XXECLIPSE_COMBO/XXECLIPSE_COMBO-thumbLarge-v2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/science/total-solar-eclipse-2017-carbondale-illinois.html?action=click&module=RelatedCoverage&pgtype=Article&region=Footer) [Why Some Say the Eclipse Is Best Experienced in a Crowd Aug. 14, 2017 ![Why Some Say the Eclipse Is Best Experienced in a Crowd](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/08/15/science/15SCI-CROWDS10/11eclipsecrowdf-1502414666913-thumbLarge-v2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/14/science/why-some-say-the-eclipse-is-best-experienced-in-a-massive-crowd.html?action=click&module=RelatedCoverage&pgtype=Article&region=Footer) ## Related Content ### [Solar Eclipse 2017](https://www.nytimes.com/news-event/solar-eclipse-2017) Complete coverage of the total eclipse that will cross the United States on Aug. 21, 2017. - [The Solar Eclipse: Highlights From Its Path Across the United States](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/21/science/solar-eclipse.html) ![Viewers on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge reacted as the eclipse came to Nashville on Monday.](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/08/22/science/22ECLIPSE-live-nashville2/22ECLIPSE-live-nashville2-thumbLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale) Joe Buglewicz for The New York Times - [Your Photos of A Solar Eclipse’s Journey Across America](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/21/science/eclipse-reader-photos.html) ![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/08/21/science/eclipse-reader-photos-1503286448313/eclipse-reader-photos-1503286448313-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale) - [Why Some Say the Eclipse Is Best Experienced in a Crowd](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/14/science/why-some-say-the-eclipse-is-best-experienced-in-a-massive-crowd.html) David Gray/Reuters ### [More in Travel](https://www.nytimes.com/section/travel) - [How Will Rising Oil Prices Affect Airfares? 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Readable Markdown	Advertisement [SKIP ADVERTISEMENT](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/travel/where-to-see-the-total-eclipse-astronomy.html#after-top) Trending ![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/07/10/travel/10eclipse/10eclipse-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale) A partial solar eclipse seen in Cambodia in March 2016. Next month, there will be a solar eclipse visible from the Oregon coast to South Carolina.Credit...Samrang Pring/Reuters - July 10, 2017 Coast-to-coast solar eclipses are an exceedingly rare occurrence: The last one in North America occurred on June 8, 1918, and after this summer’s [Eclipse Across America](https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/), there will not be another one like it until 2045. For about two minutes on Aug. 21, the sun will disappear behind the moon across a narrow band called a “path of totality” from the Oregon coast to South Carolina. NASA has set up a site for the eclipse ([eclipse2017.nasa.gov](http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/)), which lists the group’s official viewing locations around the country. And a [host of communities](https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/best-places-to-view/) in the center of the band, including some that rarely host large numbers of tourists, are staking their claims as the best place to watch the eclipse. A number of other communities in the path, including Columbia, S.C.; Nashville; St. Joseph, Mo.; Casper, Wyo; and [Carbondale, Ill.](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/science/total-solar-eclipse-2017-carbondale-illinois.html), which will have the longest duration of “totality” at 1:21 p.m. for 2 minutes 41 seconds, are preparing for big crowds. Fred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist known as [Mr. Eclipse](http://www.mreclipse.com/MrEclipse.html), has watched and photographed 27 solar eclipses on all continents, and says that they are singular experiences everyone should enjoy at least once. He emphasizes that clear weather is key, and that, in this regard, the communities west of the Mississippi River have the best odds. Mr. Espenak will probably be in Casper, where he has a speaking engagement, but he and other eclipse chasers will be watching the weather forecasts, prepared to change plans at the last minute. Alex Young, the coordinator for NASA’s education and outreach programs, agrees with Mr. Espenak that sites west of the Mississippi have the best odds for good weather, but cautions that travelers need to plan ahead, consult weather forecasts before the eclipse and have a backup plan. He added that prime viewing spots that are easiest to reach could experience problems with congestion and other logistical challenges. “Roughly 100 million people live within a day’s drive of the path of totality, so we’re really in uncharted territory trying to estimate how many people are going to try to watch this event,” said Mr. Young, who plans to be in [Carbondale for the eclipse](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/science/total-solar-eclipse-2017-carbondale-illinois.html). One backup plan may be an aerial view: Alaska Airlines is [giving away](https://newsroom.alaskaair.com/2017-06-26-Alaska-Airlines-plans-flight-to-chase-The-Great-American-Eclipse) two free tickets on an invite-only eclipse charter off the coast of Oregon. Also, NASA will be filming the eclipse at a number of sites across the country and will have multiple streams on [its website](https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-live-stream). But if you want to see the real thing from the earth, here is a list of eight places that have planned celebrations. ## Small but Stellar Madras, Ore. It is a largely agricultural community of 6,000 people in central Oregon that is attracting a huge amount of attention from eclipse chasers, given its reliably clear summer weather and position in the center of the path of totality. Hotels in Madras have been sold out for years. The Days Inn, in nearby Bend, Ore., was advertising standard rooms at [\$1,600 a night](https://www.expedia.com/Bend-Hotels-Days-Inn-Bend.h24889.Hotel-Information?chkin=8%2F20%2F2017&chkout=8%2F21%2F2017&rm1=a2:c7:c9&regionId=6051534&hwrqCacheKey=34cc647f-feda-4b7f-8574-461d8052a5d6HWRQ1493670587823&vip=false&c=2ca101ef-d501-4659-a068-0099e95580e4&) as of May 1. But officials in Madras say there are still [plenty of campsites](http://madraseclipse.com/stay/), and visitors will have a chance to take in [live music](http://madraseclipse.com/play/), check out a superb [aviation museum](http://www.ericksoncollection.com/), hike at [Smith Rock State Park](http://traveloregon.com/see-do/attractions/outdoors-nature/smith-rock/), and sample brews at dozens of [brew pubs in Bend](http://www.visitbend.com/Bend_Oregon_Activities_Recreation/Bend-Ale-Trail/). Image ![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/07/09/travel/10eclipse2/10eclipse2-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale) Hopkinsville, Ky., is where people will get the best view of the solar corona.Credit...Alex Sanz/Associated Press Hopkinsville, Ky. A farm just outside [Hopkinsville](http://www.eclipseville.com/) has the distinction of being considered the “point of greatest eclipse,” which means that from the center of the earth, the moon makes its closest path across the sun there, giving viewers the best view of the solar corona, which some say looks like a bright diamond ring. Brooke Jung, who is coordinating Hopkinsville’s eclipse marketing efforts, says the eclipse is the most exciting thing to happen to the town — which they are now branding “[Eclipseville](http://www.eclipseville.com/)” — since the same date (Aug. 21) in 1955, when a dozen “little green men” [allegedly landed nearby in a spaceship](http://www.kellyky.com/kellyincident.html). Times travel coverage. When our writers review a destination, they do not accept free or discounted services or, in most cases, reveal that they work for The Times. We want their experience to be what you can expect. In addition to their annual [Little Green Men Days](http://www.kellyky.com/festival/lgmfestival.html) festival, which commemorates the extraterrestrial occurrence that supposedly inspired the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” eclipse chasers can drink moonshine at two bourbon distilleries, attend a Comic-Con event, and take in the [Friday night bluegrass jam](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/07/travel/places-to-visit.html) at the nearby Rosine Barn. Ms. Jung says that the county has closed schools for the day, ordered 100,000 pairs of solar eclipse glasses (\$1 each), and has requested 85 members of the National Guard to direct traffic. “It’s like us and the other towns in the center of the path of totality are preparing to host a Super Bowl,” she said. ## Big Blowouts Jefferson City, Mo. Capital Eclipse Village, in northern Jefferson City is the center of the action, with live music, art installations, circus-style performances, beer and wine stands and children’s activities. The site Capital Eclipse ([capitaleclipse.org](http://capitaleclipse.org/)) lists programming there and elsewhere in Jefferson City. The total eclipse is expected at 1:14 p.m. for 2 minutes 29 seconds. Lincoln, Neb. Haymarket Park, near the city center, is one of the largest viewing sites in the area. On the day of the eclipse, professors from the University of Nebraska’s department of physics and astronomy will set up sun-viewing telescopes and will be on hand to answer questions. There are a [number of other places to see the eclipse and ways to celebrate it](http://www.lincoln.org/play/eclipse), including a “ribfest” ahead of the event and a commemorative T-shirts. The eclipse can also be seen from [125 smaller parks](http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/index.htm) in and around Lincoln. Totality is expected at 1:02 p.m. for 1:24. Although most hotels in Lincoln are sold out during the eclipse period, Tracie Simpson of the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau office can help you find accommodations. Contact her at [tsimpson@lincoln.org](mailto:tsimpson@lincoln.org) or 402-434-5339. Nashville The most promising eclipse event is the [Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party](http://www.adventuresci.org/default.aspx?p=148771&evtid=589448:8/20/2017) at the Adventure Science Center, a popular children’s science museum. Though [the festival starts on Saturday](http://www.visitmusiccity.com/eclipse), Aug. 19, the highlight is total eclipse day, where totality is expected at 1:27 p.m. for 1 minute 55 seconds. Indoor activities include multiple showings of Eclipse: The Sun Revealed, a show in the planetarium that the center produced in honor of the eclipse. Outdoors a giant screen will show NASA’s broadcast of the eclipse from space. There will also be science-themed games, food trucks and solar telescope viewing stations. The easiest way to find a place to stay is to search for hotels on [the Music City Solar Eclipse Package](http://reservations.visitmusiccity.com/package/info/8833/7213) page, provided by the city’s Convention & Visitors Corp. Make sure that wherever you stay, you [listen to the city’s eclipse Spotify playlist](https://open.spotify.com/user/visitmusiccity/playlist/5wi7ryc2XF1W7TNcciRdKt). Casper, Wyo. The community is putting on the [Wyoming Eclipse Festival](http://eclipsecasper.com/), a five-day celebration culminating on Aug. 21. The festival has more than 40 events throughout the city, including races, music concerts and space-related exhibits. Also, on Sunday, Aug. 20, Ira Flatow, the host of the public radio show “Science Friday,” will give a speech at Casper College’s Wheeler Concert Hall titled “Science Is Sexy.” On eclipse day, when totality is expected at 11:42 a.m. for 2 minutes 26 seconds, the city will have several viewing events such as Solabration on the Circle, at Bart Rea Learning Circle along the North Platte River, which includes guided yoga, children’s activities, breakfast and viewing glasses. The cost is \$110 a person plus \$33 per car for parking. But it will be tough to find a place to stay. All public campgrounds in the area are sold out, and most hotels are also full. “We’re encouraging travelers to consider alternatives such as private land camping or home rentals through sites such as Airbnb,” said Anna Wilcox, the executive director of the Wyoming Eclipse Festival. Columbia, S.C. The [Total Eclipse Weekend](http://totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com/) lists more than 50 eclipse events taking place in Columbia from Aug. 18 to 21. One example: [Solar 17 at Lake Murray](http://totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com/event/solar-17-at-lake-murray/), the city’s largest viewing area, will have tents set up, and guests can receive free water and viewing glasses. Totality is expected at 2:41 p.m. for 2 minutes 36 seconds. Charleston, S.C.: Of the more than 100 eclipse events listed on [Go Dark Charleston](http://www.charlestoncvb.com/eclipse/), one of the largest is expected to be [Eclipse on a Warship](http://www.charlestoncvb.com/events/eclipse-on-a-warship~12330/?search=&end_date=03/27/2022&category=16&start_date=06/26/2017), which takes place on the aircraft carrier and warship museum U.S.S. Yorktown. Visitors will be able to catch the eclipse from the boat’s flight deck, where Dr. Christian Iliadis, chairman of the department of physics and astronomy at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, will give a presentation on the eclipse and answer questions. Totality is expected at 2:48 p.m. for between 90 seconds to two and half minutes. A full listing of hotels is available on the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau [site](http://www.charlestoncvb.com/special-offers/packages/eclipse/). Campsites: Nearly all the hotels in eclipse viewing destinations are sold out the weekend before the eclipse, but some campgrounds still have spots for tents and offer budget-friendly accommodations. According to [Hipcamp](https://www.hipcamp.com/), an online campground booking site, there are more than a 1,000 campsites in the path of totality with availability; most charge \$100 or less a night, and many charge less than \$50 a night. For a complete list, visit [hipcamp.com/discover/eclipse-2017](http://hipcamp.com/discover/eclipse-2017) A correction was made on July 11, 2017 : A previous version of this article inaccurately described the radio show “Science Friday.” It is an independently produced show distributed to public radio stations, not a NPR show. The article also misstated the start of the Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party in Nashville. It begins on Aug. 19, not Aug. 20. A version of this article appears in print on July 23, 2017, Section TR, Page 2 of the New York edition with the headline: Tracking the Sun’s Two-Minute Disappearing Act. 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