The Great American solar eclipse in 2024 is expected to be the biggest travel event ever in the U.S. Totality will last almost four minutes and 27 seconds. This is almost double that of 2017’s Great American Eclipse. And people are planning now to see the event.
How Many Watchers?
The show will take place in the afternoon. While approximately 20 million people from Oregon to South Carolina witnessed the solar eclipse of 2017, many more will see the eclipse of 2024. This is the result of the fact that 32 million people already live within the U.S.’s section of the path. States including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are in the path of totality. Within 200 miles of the path of totality are major cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. And here in Missouri are Jefferson City and Springfield.
Preparation
Pre-gaming has already begun, and for a good reason: In 2017, many hotels and camping spots sold out well in advance. This occurred not only in destinations within the path of totality but also nearby. Polly White, 59 is co-owner of Great American Eclipse.Â
She recommends,
It’s best to travel a day or two before and after the eclipse [1].
When the last Great American Eclipse occurred in 2017, huge traffic jams resulted from everyone leaving at the same time. In 2024, the eclipse will take place on a Monday. As a result, people will be able to travel over the weekend. Travelers showing up at destinations expecting to find a room for the night may be disappointed they did not reserve a room 6 months earlier. There is no guarantee that you will have a campsite at a campground if you show up.
People are also renting spaces even near the path of totality. They want to be prepared to participate in events at another location that is somewhat nearby if clouds arrive at one location.
Alton is in the path of totality and is already preparing for an influx of visitors who want to partake in this eclipse.
Notes:
- ^https://www.marketwatch.com/story/an-out-of-body-experience-the-2024-north-american-eclipse-is-shaping-up-to-be-the-biggest-4-minute-show-of-the-decade-11672678005?rss=1&siteid=rss (go back ↩)
