The solar eclipse of 2017 is coming up in just a few weeks, and we have a whole lot of reasons to be excited. Nebraska has the distinction of being the state with the longest path of totality, with 478 miles of Nebraska being in the direct line of the full eclipse. The path of totality is about 70 miles wide, and the I-80 corridor is in the path for an impressive 251 miles. The Sandhills region was named the #4 place in America to view the big event. Everyone in Nebraska will be able to see at least a partial eclipse, but those in the path of totality will see the sun completely blocked out by the shadow of the moon for varying lengths of time – some places will be dark for more than 2.5 minutes!
Michael Zeiler, www.GreatAmericanEclipse.com This eclipse is such a big deal because of its relative rarity. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible from Nebraska was in 1954; the next time will be 2106. The last time a total solar eclipse even touched the continental US was in 1979, and the last time one stretched across the entire country was in 1918. The path of totality passing over the US during this eclipse will be exceptionally long, giving a huge portion of the US population the chance to see this once-in-a-lifetime event.Many communities across Nebraska will be staging events to celebrate and watch the exciting natural phenomenon. Below are some of the events taking place on August 21st, 2017. (Please note that the pictures below only represent the town or city in which the event is happening. We can’t include pictures of the eclipse or of the parties because, well, they haven’t happened yet.)No matter where you view the eclipse, be sure to wear protective eyewear.
- Alliance
Nebraska Tourism Western Nebraska is a prime location to view the eclipse due to the low probability of cloud cover to block out the show. It seems appropriate that people will be gathering at Carhenge to watch the eclipse since the original Stonehenge is thought to have had something to do with tracking the sun’s position throughout the year. Events are starting in Alliance on Thursday the 17th and continuing all the way through the eclipse. Visit this website for information on events and viewing sites.
- Toadstock: Party on the Prairie
Facebook/Toadstock Although Toadstock is happening in Alliance, it’s worthy of its own mention. This music fest usually takes place over Labor Day weekend, but this year the epic party has been rescheduled to coincide with the eclipse. Read all about it here.
- Falls City
By Ichabod - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30161107 Falls City will be hosting a “Dine in the Dark” event on the cobblestone streets downtown. Get a delicious catered luncheon, a commemorative shirt, protective eyewear, and a completely unforgettable experience. Falls City will see totality for 2 minutes, 37 seconds - one of the longest durations in the country! Learn more about the event here.
- Ravenna/Kearney
City of Ravenna Ravenna and Kearney are teaming up to celebrate the eclipse. There are numerous viewing locations in both cities. Kearney will see 1 minute, 54 seconds of totality and Ravenna will experience 2 minutes, 35 seconds. Read more about the events and viewing locations here.
- Beatrice
Nebraska Tourism The Homestead National Monument is set to be one fantastic viewing site. Visitors will not only be able to see the eclipse, but will also be treated to talks by several NASA scientists. The monument is also an official NASA Broadcast Site, meaning that the eclipse will be live streamed from there. Read more about the eclipse in Beatrice here.
- Dannebrog
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Little Dannebrog is going all out with a five-day celebration that will include food, entertainment, crafts, and general revelry. Find out more about the town’s events here.
- Grand Island
Nebraska Tourism The Stuhr Museum is hosting an event called “Gem Over The Prairie” which promises to provide a unique angle on the event. The 1890s Railroad Town will feature costumed interpreters talking about what the eclipse would have been like back in the late 19th century. There’s a whole day of art, science, food, and fun planned. Read more about the event here.
- Hastings
Facebook/Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center There will be four days of celebration in Hastings, an event that has been dubbed Solfest 2017. Most events will take place in Hastings city limits, but the official eclipse viewing site is at the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center in Wood River. It’s just a short drive from Hastings and will offer a beautiful view of the event. Learn more about SolFest 2017 here.
- Pickrell
By Ammodramus - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22925508 Pickrell is close to Beatrice, but the town is doing its own thing for the eclipse. Starting on Sunday, Pickrell Park will have music, food, and beer as well as a Junk Pick’n event. Get more information here.
- Broken Bow
Nebraska Tourism Four days of super-fun events will coincide with the eclipse, starting on Friday the 18th. Events will include a golf tournament, street dance, wing eating contest, barrel racing, antique tractor display, live music, and more. One of the most interesting displays will be the chicken coop, where you can see chickens roost during totality. Events are taking place in several different locations - be sure to check here for a complete list of events.
This certainly isn’t a complete list of events taking place in Nebraska for the 2017 total solar eclipse. Towns all across the state will be hosting festivals and viewing parties, and still more will have designated viewing locations and places to camp. We recommend traveling to the path of totality to see the event in all its splendor, but if you want to stay home, check this nifty tool to find out how much of the eclipse will be visible from your specific location.
Michael Zeiler, www.GreatAmericanEclipse.com
This eclipse is such a big deal because of its relative rarity. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible from Nebraska was in 1954; the next time will be 2106. The last time a total solar eclipse even touched the continental US was in 1979, and the last time one stretched across the entire country was in 1918. The path of totality passing over the US during this eclipse will be exceptionally long, giving a huge portion of the US population the chance to see this once-in-a-lifetime event.Many communities across Nebraska will be staging events to celebrate and watch the exciting natural phenomenon. Below are some of the events taking place on August 21st, 2017. (Please note that the pictures below only represent the town or city in which the event is happening. We can’t include pictures of the eclipse or of the parties because, well, they haven’t happened yet.)No matter where you view the eclipse, be sure to wear protective eyewear.
Nebraska Tourism
Western Nebraska is a prime location to view the eclipse due to the low probability of cloud cover to block out the show. It seems appropriate that people will be gathering at Carhenge to watch the eclipse since the original Stonehenge is thought to have had something to do with tracking the sun’s position throughout the year. Events are starting in Alliance on Thursday the 17th and continuing all the way through the eclipse. Visit this website for information on events and viewing sites.
Facebook/Toadstock
Although Toadstock is happening in Alliance, it’s worthy of its own mention. This music fest usually takes place over Labor Day weekend, but this year the epic party has been rescheduled to coincide with the eclipse. Read all about it here.
By Ichabod - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30161107
Falls City will be hosting a “Dine in the Dark” event on the cobblestone streets downtown. Get a delicious catered luncheon, a commemorative shirt, protective eyewear, and a completely unforgettable experience. Falls City will see totality for 2 minutes, 37 seconds - one of the longest durations in the country! Learn more about the event here.
City of Ravenna
Ravenna and Kearney are teaming up to celebrate the eclipse. There are numerous viewing locations in both cities. Kearney will see 1 minute, 54 seconds of totality and Ravenna will experience 2 minutes, 35 seconds. Read more about the events and viewing locations here.
The Homestead National Monument is set to be one fantastic viewing site. Visitors will not only be able to see the eclipse, but will also be treated to talks by several NASA scientists. The monument is also an official NASA Broadcast Site, meaning that the eclipse will be live streamed from there. Read more about the eclipse in Beatrice here.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Little Dannebrog is going all out with a five-day celebration that will include food, entertainment, crafts, and general revelry. Find out more about the town’s events here.
The Stuhr Museum is hosting an event called “Gem Over The Prairie” which promises to provide a unique angle on the event. The 1890s Railroad Town will feature costumed interpreters talking about what the eclipse would have been like back in the late 19th century. There’s a whole day of art, science, food, and fun planned. Read more about the event here.
Facebook/Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center
There will be four days of celebration in Hastings, an event that has been dubbed Solfest 2017. Most events will take place in Hastings city limits, but the official eclipse viewing site is at the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center in Wood River. It’s just a short drive from Hastings and will offer a beautiful view of the event. Learn more about SolFest 2017 here.
By Ammodramus - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22925508
Pickrell is close to Beatrice, but the town is doing its own thing for the eclipse. Starting on Sunday, Pickrell Park will have music, food, and beer as well as a Junk Pick’n event. Get more information here.
Four days of super-fun events will coincide with the eclipse, starting on Friday the 18th. Events will include a golf tournament, street dance, wing eating contest, barrel racing, antique tractor display, live music, and more. One of the most interesting displays will be the chicken coop, where you can see chickens roost during totality. Events are taking place in several different locations - be sure to check here for a complete list of events.
Where will you be watching this once-in-a-lifetime event? Share your local events in the comments so other readers can join in the fun!
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