Stargazing Solar Con? Eclipse road trip to Makanda Illinois

[hsdrop]

Binoculars with Solar filter, and individual solar glasses I picked up on Amazon. Also a cheap telescope that was probably bought at K-Mart in the 80's.

hmmmmm i think mine is a little better but probably not by much lol
I will be willing to share what little bit of knowledge i have picked up from my scope useage

 

[hsdrop]

Just as an F.Y.I guys. I also want everyone to keep in mind. If the weather looks in anyway to be cloudy. I will be moving my spot to set up at to the closest clear skies for the best viewing possible. I will keep everyone that plans to meet up in the loop with the cloud cover and meeting place.

 

[Blank_Stare]

Just as an F.Y.I guys. I also want everyone to keep in mind. If the weather looks in anyway to be cloudy. I will be moving my spot to set up at to the closest clear skies for the best viewing possible. I will keep everyone that plans to meet up in the loop with the cloud cover and meeting place.

Yeah, "Best laid plans of mice and men", right?

 

[DennisN]

Others are having parties too, while others want to reschedule...

 

[Blank_Stare]

Others are having parties too, while others want to reschedule...

I think I just hurt myself, laughing.

 

[Blank_Stare]

Weather isn't looking like it will be outstanding...

From Accuweather.com for 8/21/2017:

• 90°HI
• RealFeel® 105°
• Precipitation 51%
• Sunshine and patchy clouds with a thunderstorm in the area, mainly later; humid

I'm not exactly sure what "patchy" means, but I'm hope it means "a little", as opposed to "a lot".

 

[Blank_Stare]

I hope this positive trend continues...

• 92°HI
• RealFeel® 103°
• Precipitation 25%
• Partly sunny and humid

Then again, while the percentage chance of rain seems to have decreased, I think "Partly Cloudy" means more clouds than "Patchy", so that's not a good thing...

Maybe the forecast tomorrow will say 70, and clear? LOL!

Is the weather in Makanda/Carbondale as unpredictable, and fast to change, as it is near the Great Lakes?

 

[hsdrop]

Hear are some events that are going on for the eclipse https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/event-locations

 

[Blank_Stare]

Hot, humid, almost no chance of rain, but the cloud cover may disappoint us...

Carbondale 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM
Cloud Cover 11.00% 26.00% 35.00% 40.00% 42.00% 41.00% 38.00%

Still 40 hours to the start of the eclipse, and weather forecasts are like picked wildflowers - yesterday's was good while it lasted, but worthless today.

Had hotel troubles - dog has to stay with a neighbor, but that's OK, more room in the rental car now.
We're pulling out in 21 hours. You have my number, if we need to rethink location.

 

[hsdrop]

Hot, humid, almost no chance of rain, but the cloud cover may disappoint us...

Carbondale 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM
Cloud Cover 11.00% 26.00% 35.00% 40.00% 42.00% 41.00% 38.00%

Still 40 hours to the start of the eclipse, and weather forecasts are like picked wildflowers - yesterday's was good while it lasted, but worthless today.

Had hotel troubles - dog has to stay with a neighbor, but that's OK, more room in the rental car now.
We're pulling out in 21 hours. You have my number, if we need to rethink location.

nope I'll text you when i get close to the lake I'm going to be hitting the road tomorrow night late and drive thru the night with a buddy of mine and my kiddo let me know if you need any thing

 

[Blank_Stare]

Perfect viewing conditions, despite the hot weather.

Definitely glad we made the trip.

Thanks for helping us select a spot, @hsdrop , no one could have done better.