The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017, was one of the most spectacular astronomical events in recent history. It was the first total solar eclipse to be visible across the entire continental United States since 1918. Millions of people traveled to witness the event, especially in areas that experienced totality—the phase where the Moon completely blocks the Sun.
This topic explores the path of totality, the states and cities that experienced the eclipse in its full glory, and why totality is such a rare and breathtaking event.
What Is the Path of Totality?
The path of totality is the narrow band on Earth’s surface where a total solar eclipse is visible. This occurs when the Moon perfectly aligns with the Sun, casting its dark inner shadow (umbra) onto Earth.
- The 2017 eclipse path stretched from the Pacific Northwest to the Southeastern United States.
- It was approximately 70 miles wide and traveled across 14 states.
- Outside the path of totality, people saw only a partial eclipse.
States That Experienced Totality
The eclipse entered the United States in Oregon and exited in South Carolina, crossing several states along the way. Below is a list of the states that were in the path of totality:
- Oregon
- Idaho
- Wyoming
- Montana (small section)
- Nebraska
- Kansas (small section)
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Georgia (small section)
- North Carolina (small section)
- South Carolina
Key Cities in the Path of Totality
Several major cities and towns experienced 100% totality, making them prime locations for eclipse watchers. Some of the most notable cities included:
- Salem, Oregon
- Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Casper, Wyoming
- Grand Island, Nebraska
- Kansas City (partially), Missouri
- Carbondale, Illinois (experienced one of the longest totalities)
- Nashville, Tennessee (largest city in the path)
- Columbia, South Carolina
Timing of the Eclipse Across the U.S.
The total eclipse began on the west coast and moved across the country. The table below shows the approximate times totality started in some key locations:
| Location | Start of Totality (Local Time) | Duration of Totality |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln City, OR | 10:16 AM PDT | 1 min 58 sec |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 11:33 AM MDT | 1 min 48 sec |
| Casper, WY | 11:42 AM MDT | 2 min 26 sec |
| Carbondale, IL | 1:20 PM CDT | 2 min 40 sec |
| Nashville, TN | 1:27 PM CDT | 1 min 57 sec |
| Columbia, SC | 2:43 PM EDT | 2 min 30 sec |
The longest duration of totality occurred near Carbondale, Illinois, lasting about 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
What Made the 2017 Eclipse Special?
1. A Coast-to-Coast Eclipse
- The 2017 eclipse was the first total solar eclipse to cross the entire United States since 1918.
- It was also the first total eclipse visible anywhere in the U.S. since 1979.
2. Millions of People Witnessed It
- An estimated 12 million people lived within the path of totality, and millions more traveled to see it.
- Major highways and cities along the eclipse path saw a huge surge in tourism.
3. Scientific Research Opportunities
- NASA and other organizations used the eclipse to study the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere), which is only visible during totality.
- Scientists also studied how animals reacted to the eclipse, as many showed unusual behaviors similar to nighttime.
Why Does the Path of Totality Change?
Every total solar eclipse follows a different path due to:
- Earth’s Rotation: As Earth spins, the Moon’s shadow moves across different locations each time.
- Moon’s Orbit: The Moon’s orbit is slightly tilted, so not every new moon aligns perfectly for an eclipse.
- Eclipse Cycles: The Saros cycle, a period of about 18 years, helps predict when and where future eclipses will occur.
What About the Next Total Eclipse?
The next major total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024. This eclipse will follow a different path, traveling from Mexico through the U.S. and into Canada. Some key differences between the 2017 and 2024 eclipses:
| Feature | 2017 Eclipse | 2024 Eclipse |
|---|---|---|
| Path | Oregon to South Carolina | Mexico to Maine |
| Longest Totality | 2 min 40 sec | 4 min 28 sec |
| Visibility | Only in the U.S. | North America (Mexico, U.S., Canada) |
The 2017 total solar eclipse was a historic event that captivated millions of people across the United States. It traveled from Oregon to South Carolina, creating an unforgettable experience for those within the path of totality.
Although total solar eclipses happen somewhere on Earth every 18 months, seeing one in your own country is rare. If you missed the 2017 eclipse, you still have another chance on April 8, 2024, when the next total solar eclipse will cross North America.
