On August 21, 2017, the USA will be treated to a total solar eclipse, the first in almost 40 years. All of the continental USA will see at least a partial solar eclipse. In Sierra Vista, AZ, almost 60 percent of the sun will be blocked. Of course to see darkness during totality, you’ll need to be near the centerline within the path of totality at the exact time of totality. To find a centerline nearest you and for 2017 eclipse circumstances across the USA, visit NASA’s interactive map at this link:
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2017Aug21Tgoogle.html
There is an Astronomy magazine blog “Facts you should know about the eclipse” at this link: http://cs.astronomy.com/asy/b/astronomy/archive/2014/08/05/25-facts-you-should-know-about-the-august-21-2017-total-solar-eclipse.aspx
Of course, it is important to have a good chance for clear skies. Concerning cloud cover stats, here’s what some of us have been using:
http://www.eclipse2017.org/2017/weather/2017_clouds.htm
Many HAC members are traveling to Casper, Wyoming for this eclipse. Next year’s Astronomical League convention will be held in Casper, Wyoming, and it has already recorded the best registration numbers for 40 years. Since Casper is on the centerline of the eclipse, it is drawing a lot of attention. In addition, there will be a lot more astronomical vendors than at most AL conventions, so this should be quite a show. As previously mentioned, this convention is now “sold out.” For details on the convention, check this link: https://astrocon2017.astroleague.org/
Photo of the Great Solar Eclipse of July 11, 1991. Taken near Tepic, Mexico by Bob Gent