The First Total Solar Eclipse in a quite some time

Another Solar Eclipse is coming to the US. While it does not pass directly over Colorado it is still worth noting. There is something about science actually living out in real time instead of just listening to some scientist and believing that all they say actually happens. There’s something almost magical yet haunting when the Moon passes at the perfect moment between the Earth  and Sun so that it blocks the Sun’s light.

 There’s said to be around two to five solar eclipses each year, but total eclipses are much less frequent and occur every 18 months or so. The next total eclipse is taking place in the US on April 8, and is expected to be visible from Mexico through to Canada. While it’s undeniably exciting, of course government officials have expressed safety concerns surrounding next month’s event. It’s expected that people will travel from far and wide to try to get a glimpse of the total eclipse in its full darked out glory, it’s people’s favorite granola activity. Therefore it may cause havoc on the roads. Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association, warned USA Today readers, “Pack your patience, whether traveling a great distance or locally, people will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse.” Roads in the center of the eclipse’s path in particular are expected to be increasingly busy. Similar scenarios played out back in 2017 during the nation’s last total solar eclipse. Reportedly some areas were hit with 13 hours worth of congestion after the eclipse as everyone tries to leave the area at the same time. 

Elsewhere, Dave Freeman, the Lorain County Ohio EMA director, said, “What we could have is crowds here that we’re not used to. He said that they were lacking infrastructure wise and the roads were not there to contain such traffic, “A lot of the roads here are two lanes. This is not Chicago, this is not Cleveland, where we have a bunch of four lane, six lane roads coming in so the traffic could be pretty extreme here if we get crowds more than we expect.” According to Freeman, the big event is expected to last around four minutes. With the increased traffic in mind, some areas have warned residents to stock up on necessities ahead of the eclipse. As per the Lorain County website, residents have been urged to fill up their vehicles with gas before April 6 and 7, stock up on food and drinks, avoid scheduling appointments on the day of the eclipse and to avoid traveling over the weekend before it happens. The EMA has also warned that there could be some issues with cell phone signals during the event due to an increase of activity. Freeman has emphasized, however, that there’s not going to be a shortage of food and water and that’s not why they’re suggesting people stock up.