Spectacular Solar Eclipse Sweeps Across Western North Carolina

TL/DR –

People in Western North Carolina gathered to watch the solar eclipse on Monday, achieving about 84% coverage despite not being in the path of totality. Multiple events were held in locations such as the North Carolina Arboretum, where the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies hosted activities focusing on the earth science angle of the eclipse, including observing changes in air temperature and wildlife behavior. The next solar eclipse visible in Western North Carolina isn’t expected until 2079.

Asheville Resident Witness Solar Eclipse

Onlookers turned their gaze skyward for the recent solar eclipse across the mountains of Western North Carolina. While the region was outside the path of totality, roughly 84% of the sun was eclipsed.

The North Carolina Arboretum, in partnership with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, hosted a special eclipse day featuring activities for all ages. Hundreds gathered at the Arboretum to witness the 2024 Solar Eclipse. They focussed on the earth science aspect of the event.

Projects were centered around observing clouds and how they alter air temperature during an eclipse. They also explored how an eclipse affects animal behavior, particularly wildlife. A partial eclipse was observed in Western North Carolina.

“This is a fascinating natural experiment. It’s intriguing to see how the environment changes even when the sun is obscured briefly,” expressed Theresa Schwerin, Vice President of Institute for Global Environmental Strategies.

Many locals joined the crowd at the arboretum to watch the eclipse. The next annular solar eclipse in the United States is due in 2044 and the next one visible in Western North Carolina will occur in 2079.

The UNCA Physics and Astronomy Department, along with the Astronomy Club of Asheville, held a viewing event on campus with telescopes. Excitement filled the air even as clouds loomed. The event took place in various locations including the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The rarity of the occurrence made many stop at overlooks to watch. The moon obscured the sun, dimming the sky for a few minutes. Many viewers were caught up at the Craggy Gardens Visitors Center.

However, it wasn’t necessary to be on the parkway to view the eclipse. As long as you could see the sky, you were sorted. Among those who watched were Amanda Rollins and her two children along Sweeten Creek Road in Arden. She described it as an entertaining way for the children to learn something new.

Share your 2024 solar eclipse photos and videos with us here

.
—
Read More US News; North Carolina News