A total eclipse is occurring in the United States for the first time in decades. It is the first transcontinental eclipse in the United States in ninety-nine years. And lucky for the residents living around Columbia, SC, we’re in the path of totality, the best place to look at the total eclipse. In a total eclipse, the sun is completely covered by the moon, leaving everything in a temporary state of darkness. One of the coolest parts of the experience is that one can see the cloak of darkness coming towards them as the eclipse comes into place. Once the disk of the sun is covered, its corona will be visible. Being able to see the corona is only possible in an 100% total eclipse. The eclipse will last for two minutes and thirty seconds and up to two minutes and thirty-six seconds. The temperature will become noticeably cooler as well. It is important to wear the appropriate eyewear in order to prevent any damage. Eyewear must be worn during the partial eclipse, but one can take the glasses off once the total eclipse occurs and everything is completely dark. Experience this once in a lifetime opportunity! Look below for a couple events involving the eclipse.
Riverbanks Zoo invites everyone to experience one of the most interesting things to happen in its midst. The zoo is in the midst of the path of totality; therefore all the inhabitants will be experiencing the total solar eclipse. That includes the animals! No one is completely sure how all the animals will react, but come and see the unknown sights and sounds yourself! The zoo also has planned a few activities to go along with this special event. Tickets are only the price of regular admission to the zoo. Click here for more information.
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is offering a fun game of geocaching on Saturday, August 19. Geocaching is an increasingly popular scavenger hunt that involves GPS tracking. Containers, or caches, are hidden and one has to find them through GPS coordinates. Upon completing the game, the first 300 people will receive a traceable geocoin that has been customized for the eclipse. Eclipse glasses will also be handed out. The even is completely free and will occur from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Click here for more information.
