August 10, 2017 – Upland-South Science

INTRO:

Hey I’m Steven Devine you may know me personally, are familiar with my posts on Western Kentucky Weather (a social media page that posts earth science and weather information for western Kentucky), or you may have just stumbled upon this blog. If you are reading this, thank you, and I hope that I can answer your questions about the upcoming 2017 eclipse.

ON TO THE ECLIPSE:

There is a lot of excitement and a lot of concern about the upcoming Solar Eclipse. It is perfectly normal to be apprehensive about this event if you live in KY, TN, or anywhere in the eclipse path because an event like this hasn’t happened in our country in decades and this will be the first solar eclipse for the USA during the social media era. This has generated a lot of fear and concerns. Some which are valid and others that have been blown out of proportion.

This blog post will address those concerns. This blog post won’t go into details on how eclipses form or who will see what. I will post some links if you want to know more information about those items.

02solareclipse2016 by National Geographic

^^ A picture of an eclipsed sun courtesy of National Geographic ^^

Total Solar Eclipse

^^ Path of the 2017 eclipse from Astronomy.com ^^

The Main Concerns Addressed Are:

Viewing the Solar Eclipse Safely
Traffic and Congestion
Cell Phone/Internet Reception
Supplies
Crime/Trafficking
Weather

Viewing The Solar Eclipse Safely:

This is my #1 concern and a valid one. It is important that you obtain Solar Eclipse Glasses. Regular sunglasses will not suffice and Welder Glasses need to be 14 shade or darker. There are also scam artists out there that are selling glasses that will not protect your eyes. Eye damage could result if you view the eclipse without the appropriate eyegear. Glasses must meet ISO 12312-2 safety standards.

There is the list of companies that are deemed reputable by the American Astronomical Society. This list will be posted below:

Also do not look at the eclipse through an unfiltered telescope, camera, or other optical devices even with your glasses as the suns rays will be concentrated through the lens and could damage your eyes. Have a trained astronomer take photos or record the eclipse if you are unsure of how to properly do so.

safety_2

^^ Courtesy of Nasa, you must have your solar eclipse glasses anytime the eclipse is not total. ^^

Traffic and Congestion:

Another concern is gridlock on major US Highways and Interstates due to the eclipse. The worst time for traffic will be the morning of the eclipse and just after the eclipse through Tuesday morning. Towns that are hosting special solar eclipse events will need to expect heavy traffic through the prior weekend as well. Locally, in Kentucky and Tennesee, where many of you are likely to be reading this from expect heavy traffic on I-24, I-40 (totality runs from Nashville all the way to the western outskirts of Knoxville), and most N-S US Highways and Interstates (e.g. I-65, I-75, US 27, US 31, US 41 as many people are coming from MI, IL, IN, OH, MS, AL, and GA to see this event. Local roads in the path of totality, especially in Caldwell, Christian, and Trigg Counties in Kentucky will be traffic filled as that area is in the Greatest Eclipse area. There could be some stop and go congestion especially Monday Morning and after the eclipse through Tuesday Morning. Traffic will likely be worse after the eclipse because most everyone will leave at the same time, whereas traffic will be filtering in a bit more overtime before the eclipse. I would recommend an early leave time (the day before would be best or the wee morning hours of that Monday) if you have to travel or commute on eclipse day. The closest thing our area has seen to this is the Bonnaroo/CMA fest in Middle TN and the extra traffic that generates on the interstates.

Cell Phone/Internet Reception:

Coverage, especially in rural areas, could become spotty and unreliable during the day of the eclipse. Just in case, I would print out Google Maps of the area in case coverage becomes more unreliable.

Supplies:

Some people are concerned that the grocery store shelves are going to look like a snowstorm is about hit. While the milk and bread may run low in more rural areas (it is always the milk and bread for some reason) I don’t expect zombie apocalypse style food shortages, but your local restaurant and gas stations will likely have some longer lines if you live in or near the path of totality. I don’t expect major issues but if you don’t want to get out and about with the increased traffic then stock up on the Wednesday or Thursday before.

Crime/Trafficking:

Unfortunately, sex trafficking groups will use events like the eclipse as well as other events (e.g. Kentucky Derby, any convention, sporting events, etc.) as a way to traffic humans. There is a chance that some of this disgusting crap could be occurring in the path of totality as they tend to take advantage of the crowds. Overall treat this event like you would a typical sporting event. Most people there are good people who just want to enjoy the show, but you always have to watch for those who take advantage of the situation.

Signs that someone is a victim of trafficking, courtesy of the US Department of State:

Living with employer
Poor living conditions
Multiple people in cramped space
Inability to speak to individual alone
Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
Employer is holding identity documents
Signs of physical abuse
Submissive or fearful
Unpaid or paid very little
Under 18 and in prostitution

If you encounter something suspicious let the local authorities know so they can investigate this. It is better safe and sorry and it could save victims from the horrible clutches of trafficking.

Weather:

Weather is the wildcard for the eclipse. If it is cloudy or stormy then you will miss the eclipse. Kentucky and Tennessee have about a 20-30% of clouds and precipitation on August 21st when you view past climate data. If it is cloudy or stormy that will make the traffic and congestion as hundreds to thousands of people will attempt to move to get to a sunny place. At the time of this blog post you won’t be able to get a very accurate forecast for August 21st. Usually, you have to get within 1 week to get a good idea of what the weather will be like. If you say any forecast for the 21st prior to August 15th then I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

How Concerned Should You Be:

I would treat this like a sporting event or an event like Bonnaroo which occurs every June in Manchester, TN or CMA fest in Nashville which typically occurs on the same weekend and causes congestion on the roadways. I would be aware of my surroundings before, during, or after the eclipse, but I wouldn’t get overly concerned. If you are traveling from outside the path of totality to the path of totality, I would have a full tank or at least 3/4th, have extra food and water, have sunscreen, and be prepared for delays on the road. If you see any suspicious criminal activity I would report it. If you live in or the near the path of totality I would try to stay home the day of the eclipse or if you need to go out prepare for delays. Overall just be prepared for increased traffic from the 18th through the 22nd with the peak of the traffic being on the 21st and early on the 22nd.

To conclude, I will post this image from femalewarrior.net courtesy of Google Images.

calm-ocean-1844-706