In August 2017, I ventured to the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois to see my first total solar eclipse. I posted that story here. To witness dusk suddenly approach in mid-day, then the light switch off, and seeing solar flares shoot out was a phenomenal experience. The area boasted that the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. would cross that very spot.
Image created by Ernest Wright/NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio
The astronomical odds of an eclipse coming through a specific part of the planet is once every 375 years. I hoped to return to the spot where this occurrence would strike twice in less than seven years. While planning the return, I learned there would be an annular eclipse in late 2023 in the western U.S., so that was a good excuse to head to one of my favorite places to witness that event.
A week before the eclipse, cloudy skies were forecast, but predictions improved as the event approached. But the morning started with dew dripping from the trees enveloped in heavy fog.
Devil’s Backbone, Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
In 2017, the morning also started cloudy but cleared by the afternoon. Monday, as the fog lifted, blue sky began to show between the clouds. We explored around Mill Branch where I’d watched the prior eclipse, but decided we’d head closer to the Interstate to avoid some traffic when everyone would leave for home.
Mill Branch Creek, Shawnee National Forest
People gathered, blankets were spread, viewing glasses came out, the light dimmed, and the temperature dropped.
Then the switch turned off, the sky darkened, the horizons glowed in sunset colors, and a planet twinkled in the dark sky.
The lights in the corner of this image were from a jet following the path of the eclipse.
For four minutes, we watched the corona dance. In 2017, Southern Illinois was the spot the eclipse lasted the longest at 2 minutes and 40 seconds. That year, the sun was nearing solar minimum meaning fewer coronal ejections. This year, the moon was closer to the earth, blocking more of the sun, and the sun was approaching solar maximum with flares and loops streaming further out.
Then a hint that the show was about to end: the sun began to peak out.
Diamond Ring
As the eclipse was ending, more high circus clouds moved in. But for four minutes, time stopped and the clouds stood by. One orange solar flare at the edge of the sun now peaking from behind the moon cast its last glow.