Originally Posted by Pazuzu (Post 9665796)

You did not see a total eclipse, you saw an annular eclipse, which is just like any partial eclipse, but a bit darker.

The difference between a 99% partial eclipse and a true full total eclipse is like the difference between a 1976 912E and a 918.

I would not lift a finger to be able to own the 912E, I would trade family members into slavery and forgo 3 fingers to be able to sit in the 918 for 30 seconds.

I cannot fathom why someone would not be in the path of totality for this eclipse, especially if it's basically going to be in your town. The only reason to not go to this eclipse is if you happen to live in the path of the 2024 eclipse, *then* I might forgo it.

Really, totality is not just "I can see it in pictures". It is a complete event, do you really think that people spends thousands of dollars every few years to sit on frozen tundras or hike through rain forests to watch as many of these as possible in a lifetime, if they could instead "see it in pictures"???

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe (Post 9666229)

It's coming right over our house. I'll be out in the front yard watching, even though there are numerous events and much cooler viewing spots all over the city.

I'll probably just be sitting in a lawn chair and will have our dog attached to one of the legs because I'm interested in his reaction.

For those of you thinking about driving hundreds of miles to see it, just imagine doing that, and then getting socked in by clouds. And then having to drive back home afterwards.

My limit if I wasn't in a prime viewing spot would probably be 100 miles or so, but I wouldn't do it unless the weather was certain.

I'm trying to find out if there's anything you can put over the large end of a pair of binoculars and look at it safely. Anyone know?

Originally Posted by carmad (Post 9665895)

Here in Salem, all sorts of preparedness is being planned, I work at the Hospital, going to emergency only coverage, all elective surgery postponed. Predicting gas stations will be empty, bare shelves at grocery stores, cell phone and interweb disruption, and traffic gridlock because of the influx of 200,000+ extra bodies.
It will be interesting to see how it pans out.

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe (Post 9666229)

I'm trying to find out if there's anything you can put over the large end of a pair of binoculars and look at it safely. Anyone know?

Originally Posted by pwd72s (Post 9666114)

My house is smack dab in the middle of the totality shadow. Other than making sure our gas tanks are full & our dietary supplies are in, Cindy & I plan on ignoring the hubbub. Spend good money on geeky glasses for two minutes of use? Hardly! I'll just turn on the lights when it gets dark. Maybe I'll be lucky & sleep through it?

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton (Post 9666493)

My brother and I are taking our Lear Jet to visit our aunt in Portland for the eclipse and going an hour south to see it. Would you recommend Salem itself or somewhere nearby?

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton (Post 9667035)

Will it be known the day before how far east I'd need to take the Lear to get clear skies?

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton (Post 9667070)

You'll need an apricot scarf...