Total Eclipse April 8

[Gary Dotson]

My wife doesn’t seem to be very interested but when it takes place, I think she’ll be surprised. We’re pretty tired of all the hype but I’m looking forward to viewing it. We have some clouds, right now but may still get a pretty decent look.

[Barnyard]

Gizmo, our weather dog, has been laying in the yard facing the direction of the eclipse most of the morning. I think he suspects something. All the dogs will be locked in the shop just before 3:00 pm as a precaution.

[lyle11]

We got lucky here. It wasn’t crystal clear but it was one of those days with the high thin clouds where bright sun still comes through. I didn’t look at it but I went outside to experience it. There was a partial eclipse starting roughly 2 PM. Probably wouldn’t have even noticed that, except it seemed like it was a little darker outside than the it would be based on the thin clouds. Total eclipse was around 3:15 PM. I was surprised how fast the total eclipse happened. Like an accelerated sunset. Since I wasn’t watching the sun, I can’t really comment on that but in a matter of a couple minutes, it got dark and I saw at least one star in the sky. Just as dark as if it were night time. It lasted about four minutes although I wasn’t timing it.

I heard of a local high school parking lot where they’re charging $50 to park there and view the eclipse. Obviously for people driving here from outside the area. Glad they got their money’s worth. I took my wife to work and had no problems with traffic after all the warnings of traffic jams. Crossed the highway and glanced over it and traffic didn’t look any different. I imagine the extra hundred thousand people that were in the area were dispersed enough that it wasn’t like people all going to the same place like a football game. School is on spring break and a lot of people took the day off so probably all the people staying home from work balanced out people coming in.

[Dale Finch]

My sisters & I had a beautiful warm day with clear skies here in Paducah, KY, and truly enjoyed experiencing the TOTALITY! You could even see some of the flares extending from the sun! Pretty neat!

The gloom descended...

Totality!

Images of the eclipse cast onto white poster board

[Gary Dotson]

Yes, the wife and I enjoyed too! I watched it from the open doorway of my shop. I was glad I had eclipse glasses because it really was a cool sight to experience. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I was able to experience it from my own doorway.

[Eugene]

90 percent zone. Got dark enough that I had to turn on the shop lights for a minute or two.

100% local TV coverage of the eclipse from around 9 AM to almost 4 PM.

[IHCubCadet147]

Here in NE PA, we were suppose to be around 90%. Unfortunately it was cloudy, so I didn’t get to see much. Just a quick glimpse between the clouds a few times, then it got dark for a few minutes. What I saw of it looked cool.

[clintmo]

We took the kids out of school and made a day of it with some friends. Here at home in northern West Virginia we were supposed to be at about 96% but we wanted the full Monty, so we headed north/west, unsure of our destination, watching the forecast as we went. Ended up outside of Toledo at a state park on Lake Erie. Lots of people there, two different weddings taking place during totality. I loved the social aspect of it. It was a good way to enjoy life together as a society. The eclipse itself was amazing. Totality was otherworldly. Temperature must have dropped 20 degrees in a few minutes. The kids had a blast. Their little minds were blown. Hopefully they remember it and tell their kids when they’re old and grey.

Clint

[Don McCombs]

Congratulations on doing that for your children. My first solar eclipse was when I was 8 years old. It was only a partial eclipse, but I remember it vividly. I’m certain that they will remember the whole experience as well.

[Dale Finch]

Here's a good excuse for some fun TOTAL ECLIPSE travel with family and friends in 2026 :
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/plan-now-for-the-2026-total-solar-eclipse-in-europe/

[Don McCombs]

August in Reykjavik. That wouldn’t be too bad. You could see an eclipse and an erupting volcano in one trip.

[Dale Finch]

[Eugene]

August in Reykjavik. That wouldn’t be too bad. You could see an eclipse and an erupting volcano in one trip.

For Sale, 2 pair of gently used glasses for observing a solar eclipse. Briefly used by a senior couple. Save yourself the wait in line and the future price hikes when the next solar eclipse happens in 2045!

Ricky: Read you can save the glasses for the next local eclipse or send then to the next eclipse location for poor folks to use.

The Lions Club is always asking for eyeglasses donations. Perhaps the Lions Club will take them and you can use the donation as an income tax deduction.

[Bob McCarty]

Eugene, that's a great idea. I googled "how to recycle your eclipse glasses" and there are many outfits that will send them to the next viewing area.

[KETCHAM]

I saw it...Was awesome to see...Last full one I saw,I was a kid in Maryland ,around 7 or 8....we had welding helmuts and glasses at work