The day of the total solar eclipse is quickly approaching, and there’s still time to make plans on how to view the celestial event in Maine if you haven’t already.
Maine is going to be one of the most optimal spots in the United States to view the rare event, with sunny skies and negligible cloud cover expected on Monday. Temperatures will be in the high 40s to low 50s, although air temperatures can drop by as much as 10 degrees during totality.
Many people already have plans to visit communities in the direct line of totality, including Houlton, Millinocket and Greenville. Spectators there will be able to see the moon fully pass in front of the sun, creating blackout conditions for up to 3 ½ minutes at around 3:30 p.m. on Monday. Places that aren’t within the path of totality will still be able to see up to 98 percent of totality.
This means the sun won’t be totally blocked by the moon passing in front of it, and a small sliver of the sun will still be visible at the eclipse’s zenith to those outside of the path of totality on Monday afternoon. If you’re outside the path of totality, you can tune into NASA’s live stream that will show the entire event from Houlton.
If you’re planning to visit Houlton, be prepared for the opportunity to take selfies in a lunar capsule. The art installation was created by Amanda DeVille, and is a 6-foot-by-7-foot aluminum sculpture that people can enter and take pictures in.
Reservations at any local bed-and-breakfast or short-term rental will be impossible to get, if you were able to afford them, so be prepared to travel into the line of totality and get back in your vehicle to reach overnight accommodations. Towns including Bingham, Jackman, Caribou, Houlton, Millinocket and Presque Isle have unseasonably full reservations through the eclipse weekend.
However, there are a number of towns and locations, including Lincoln in Penobscot County, Dover-Foxcroft in Piscataquis County and the Loring Air Force Base in Aroostook County, that will be in the path of totality and will have parking spaces and other amenities.
You will want to bring boots or other sturdy footwear when viewing the eclipse, as many Maine towns continue to recover from the effects of a nor’easter that blew through and left up to two feet of snow across the region.
The anticipated snow melt as temperatures rise into the mid-50s will result in muddy roads, especially in rural areas and areas impacted by storms earlier in the year.
Roads will be busy, as visitors from afar flock to Maine for the celestial event and many area towns plan to release students early. Plan to be stuck in traffic following eclipse totality.
Before you view the eclipse, check to make sure you have glasses that are guaranteed to protect your vision. There are a number of safety checks you can do to ensure your eclipse glasses will actually protect your eyes from harm. Looking directly at the sun without specific protection could permanently damage your vision.
Finally, enjoy the experience. The last time a total eclipse passed over the state was in July 1963, so this could truly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The next solar eclipse to travel over North America will be in 2044, and the next to pass directly over Maine will be in 2079, according to NASA.
Want to share pictures or anecdotes about your eclipse experience? Email us at [email protected].