What It was Like to See the Solar Eclipse at 100 Percent Totality in Missouri

West Plains, Missouri, in direct path of last week's solar eclipse, went all-out for the event, hosting a charity concert, hot air balloon glow-up, and fireworks. BPL's Cyndi Barnett saw it in person. 

By Cyndi Barnett 

Birmingham, Ala. - When the opportunity to view the 100% totality of the solar eclipse was within my grasp, I knew I had to take it. 

I drove 6.5 hours and 420 miles, one way, to West Plains, Missouri to meet up with my best friend and her son. The town went all-out  for the eclipse with a charity concert, hot air balloon glow-up, and fireworks.

 On eclipse day, many tourists and citizens descended upon the Civic Center for a presentation on the history and science of eclipses from the Missouri State University Department of Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science. They even had telescopes with special filters so we could view the eclipse close-up. With no clouds in the sky, we sat on the lawn eagerly awaiting totality. 

As the moon moved further and further over the sun, the chattering voices quieted. At the point of 100% totality, we could take off our viewing glasses and take pictures with our phones without filters. 

The totality lasted for 3 minutes and 4 seconds. You could feel the charge in the air. The temperature dropped at least 10-15 degrees. It looked and felt like twilight. 

\It was a surreal experience I know I will never forget.

 

Read below to learn more about last week's solar eclipse.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

Click here to learn more about the eclipse from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The Birmingham Public Library gave out free eclipse glasses for hundreds of patrons from all of our library locations across the city. 

By Cynthia Barnett, Librarian II| Technical Services Manager BPL Collection Management Department