No good astronomical event happens without accompanying pain, or so it would seem given all of the news stories about tomorrow’s eclipse. We are hearing plenty of stories about overpriced hotels, traffic jams, and even the intervention of FEMA. Just wait until you hear all of the stories about people who paid a fortune to find the eclipse blocked by clouds.
Here are a few of the crazy headlines from the areas impacted by the pending eclipse:
- “Traffic ‘Significantly Increases’ Along NW Indiana Highways as Crowds Travel for Solar Eclipse,” NBC Chicago
- “‘Severe’ Traffic Expected in Maine for Solar Eclipse,” New Center Maine
- Emergency Declaration: 2024 Solar Eclipse, Texas Department of Public Safety
- “April 8 Total Solar Eclipse: Police Warn of Cell Service Problems,” Masslive
- “Once-in-lifetime Solar Eclipse Could Cause Epic Traffic Problems, Service Outages in Dayton Region,” Dayton Daily News
- “US Eclipse Travelers Met with Sky-high Prices – and Reservation Snafus” The Guardian
As far as hotel rooms, The Guardian news story above states:
Amid the clamor for accommodation, one travel agency said it had been forced to rearrange lodging for more than 150 people after bookings made two years earlier at two Buffalo hotels were canceled. Rooms that had cost $129 to $159 were canceled and resold at $450 or more, according to Sugar Tours, owner, Chris Donnelly, who said it was “total price gouging”.
It is all pretty silly, but no one wants to be left out. NASA will have the better pictures and eclipse details, given its planned rocket launches, yet these folks need something for Facebook or Instagram.
I do not really care for the crowds, so I will await the press stories and NASA images. Nonetheless, for those who feel the need to be on the front lines, I wish them a safe trip with clear skies.
Our Awesome Universe 