Solar Eclipse

Several people had watch parties around the area in anticipation of the Solar Eclipse. In 2024 Cass County was on the edge of a total Solar Eclipse that won’t happen for another 20 years. According to NASA, the April 8, 2024, eclipse, was a total solar eclipse that won’t be seen again in the contiguous United States until 2044. Unfortunately, the cloud cover prevented many In Cass County from missing the total eclipse, though the partial was seen intermittently. In Atlanta, there was an expected 99.93% of totality. Just outside of Cass County less than an hour away area towns were expected 100%.

For those unaware, “A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun – known as the path of totality – will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun.”

This eclipse that happened Monday should not be confused with the eclipse that happened in October of last year. “On Oct. 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse crossed North, Central, and South America. Visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America, millions of people in the Western Hemisphere can experience this eclipse.”

According to NASA, “On October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse crossed North, Central, and South America creating a path of annularity. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth while at its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it does not completely block the Sun. When this type of eclipse happens, it creates a “ring of fire” effect in the sky for those standing in the path of annularity.

Around town, several businesses hosted watch parties and passed out glasses. One such business was Family Eye Care Clinic in Atlanta, Texas. They passed out protective eyewear, offered light refreshments and gave away door prizes.

Atlanta Library had several participate in their party where they gave away free hotdogs, and glasses and enjoyed time together with their patrons.

Also, several people in the neighborhood gathered in the center of Simpson Lake in Avinger to enjoy the eclipse together.

For those who were expecting the end of the world, instead had a nice time with family and friends witnessing a historical feat that won’t happen for another 20 years.