4/9 Meetup CANCELLED and My Current Eclipse Plan
Added 2024-04-05 16:30:11 +0000 UTCUnfortunately, I have to cancel the post-eclipse meetup as I won't be able to make it down to Texas due to the evolving weather situation for eclipse day. I'm sending out emails and texts to everyone who signed up, but wanted to post in as many places as possible so that everyone gets the message.
My current eclipse plan for anyone interested (subject to change):
Saturday April 6th
Decide between Indiana/Illinois or New England based on current forecasts. If New England is still clear, stay put.
Sunday April 7th
If New England: Decide between NY (Adriondacks), Vermont (Burlington area), or Maine (Houlten area?)
If Indiana/Illinois: Continue driving
Monday April 8th
Current range of options stretch from Illinois to Maine
Good luck everyone!
~Nico
Comments
When I looked at Astrospheric it didn't show clear skies anywhere near me but I could have driven to Burnett. Were you using cloud ensemble or just RDPS? I'm really bummed that only got about 30 seconds of totality in Killeen Texas.
ImObiWan
2024-04-14 03:26:06 +0000 UTCWow!
Nico Carver
2024-04-13 19:47:14 +0000 UTCPost eclipse meet up location in Austin (I was in Austin that day touring) 4/9/24 had severe thunderstorms, hail and tornado warnings, parts of city lost power.
David Powell
2024-04-10 20:56:08 +0000 UTCThe traffic out of Maine was pretty bad, but I expected it.
Steven B
2024-04-10 13:11:21 +0000 UTCThanks for mention of Houlton. We ended up at the airport. It was awesome!
Steven B
2024-04-10 13:09:38 +0000 UTCI ended up on a farm in Newport, VT. I choose that over Richford because I could setup all my gear the night before which was very useful. We also had the thin scattered clouds, but didn't seem to have much effect on the views/photos.
Nico Carver
2024-04-10 03:42:42 +0000 UTCI drove to Austin but ended up in Burnet, 60 miles NW. I ended up there because Astrospheric predicted clear skies at the time of the eclipse. Astrospheric was partially correct. The partial eclipse before totality was intermittent with thick clouds. The main event was mostly clear. I got some awesome photos of Bailey’s beads, the diamond ring, and some amazing solar flares peaking from the inner corona. Burnet was practically empty; everybody bailed thinking the worst. I couldn’t have planned anything more spectacular than this. Now I have to go through the hundreds of photos I took and pick out the best. I also have video of the entire total eclipse event from my Seestar. Not the best, but still amazing.
John Smith
2024-04-10 03:40:51 +0000 UTCWe had periods of hazy clouds during mid C1 in Medina, OH, but other than it was beautiful and amazing!
Nipes
2024-04-09 20:10:15 +0000 UTCCame to Vincennes, just at a different location since yours was sold out. Was not disappointed!! Would love to know how the dedicated space was too. Good facilities and food options?
William P Gabriel
2024-04-09 19:47:15 +0000 UTCWhat a great idea that they had for the photographers! How did it go?
Sharon Mc
2024-04-09 19:44:16 +0000 UTCI hope everyone had clear skies. It sounded like there were some clear skies in Texas. We had great skies in North Carolina for our partial eclipse. I cannot wait to see all the great photos!
Todd Tucker
2024-04-09 18:18:31 +0000 UTCWell, our 3 hour drive up to VT turned into a 6 hour drive home in NH. But it was all TOTALLY worth it! Clear skies and a great crowd to be with.
Jon Caron
2024-04-09 11:33:23 +0000 UTCNico, where did you end up? Richford delivered, although the forecast was a bit iffy. Very high thin scattered clouds and amazing seeing .
David Beecher
2024-04-09 10:56:15 +0000 UTCVisiting San Antonio from SC. Drove up from San Antonio to just south of Fort Worth in just under 4 hours. It was the least cloudy spot I could find within a reasonable driving distance of our hotel. (Thanks Astrospheric!) Had some off and on clouds early in the partial phase, but they cleared out and totality was beautiful!
Laura Brand
2024-04-09 00:51:15 +0000 UTCCloudy all morning then a game of peek a boo in N Austin TX. I did manage some captures, and it was awesome too see my first total eclipse.
Augustus Maximus ii
2024-04-08 23:14:57 +0000 UTCI drove 6hrs to Oden in Arkansas from Texas. Clear skies but missed the start. Worth it though. Fly back to London tomorrow so I'll sleep on the plane 😂
Andrew Fairclough
2024-04-08 19:27:30 +0000 UTCWe were not skunked in Fredericksburg, lots of clouds but extra awesome. Max eclipse was visible!
David Powell
2024-04-08 18:40:18 +0000 UTCCouple of things from sunny Quebec: saw a car with Texas plates; coverage coming from bottom right side of sun. That was unexpected.
Bill Hertha
2024-04-08 18:28:38 +0000 UTCGood monday morning from Hamilton (near Waco) TX. At 9am 100pct cloudy
Dr.Les
2024-04-08 13:27:59 +0000 UTCAbandoned reservation in Long Beach (north shore of Lake Erie) and drove yesterday to Knowlton Quebec. Forecast looks good until 4:00 with luck.
Bill Hertha
2024-04-08 06:45:49 +0000 UTCI see mention of shuttle buses at some venues in Houlton?
Steven B
2024-04-08 02:45:05 +0000 UTCI believe in Texas! We WILL see totality tomorrow in Texas :)
Kam
2024-04-07 22:04:06 +0000 UTCOr is there anything else to know? As far as if they're opening it at a certain time or whatever. Thanks!
Steven B
2024-04-07 21:31:55 +0000 UTCDoes it require any reservations?
Steven B
2024-04-07 21:31:20 +0000 UTCGo Nico! Vermont and Maine look almost better than anywhere else. Happy shooting.
Jack Bernstein
2024-04-07 21:18:38 +0000 UTCGood luck and hopefully clear skies to you all. My plans of going to central Texas fizzled as of yesterday, Saturday, morning. But I have some creative partial eclipse photo ideas from a near by beach in Santa Cruz, Ca where I will have totally clear skies.
Youssef Ismail
2024-04-07 19:25:14 +0000 UTCThe airport at houlton maine has big sky
Laurel Pepin
2024-04-07 15:36:36 +0000 UTCHeading to Parma Ohio, Only upper-level clouds forecast for the area as of 10:30am April 7th,
pmkPE
2024-04-07 14:36:06 +0000 UTCHoulton maine has an airport that is open to park and photograph. Clear skies still predicted here.
Laurel Pepin
2024-04-07 14:05:50 +0000 UTCI'm trying to decide between two reserved spots: one in Carbondale IL, one in Springfield AR. Analysis paralysis!
Dave Cary
2024-04-07 13:17:16 +0000 UTCThanks for sharing this info David. I’m in Waterbury this morning. Considering anywhere in Vermont or driving to Maine. Might head your way tomorrow.
Luis
2024-04-07 13:12:00 +0000 UTCI'm driving to Manchester NH today and probably heading to Maine tomorrow. As of this moment it looks promising throughout the state. According to some models. Any suggestions on locations?
Steven B
2024-04-07 12:13:11 +0000 UTC.....sat in Brownsville and the plan atm is to do Starbase tomorrow morning then head to SE Oklahoma/S Arkansas - that's 12 hours or so of driving with a 6 y.o in the back. Will be watching the forecast and crying slightly about our $360 camping in W Texas!
Philip Leng
2024-04-07 02:36:47 +0000 UTCI am staying in Philadelphia but Maine is looking the best based on this source. https://www.pivotalweather.com/eclipse2024/?m=srefens&p=cloudcover_tle_2-mean&r=us_state_ne_n
Stan Sienkiewicz
2024-04-06 18:04:37 +0000 UTCI am gonna head to Illinois, I have friends out there that I will stay with. Not quite sure where I will end up. Staying in Bloomington IL on Sunday and will go to wherever the forecast is best
Vo Maziarz
2024-04-06 17:00:00 +0000 UTCI just sent you a DM.
Steven B
2024-04-06 14:13:22 +0000 UTCI'm still trying to figure it out this morning, but it's a strong possibility.
Steven B
2024-04-06 13:57:04 +0000 UTCOhio eclipse path looks good! 2PM Monday ensemble forecast is favorable.
Jack Bernstein
2024-04-06 12:38:00 +0000 UTC10:00 am. Are you considering going? If you do, DM me on Discord so we can meet up. LVNikonShooter
David Beecher
2024-04-06 07:17:54 +0000 UTCWhen does parking open up there? At the elementary school?
Steven B
2024-04-06 05:17:32 +0000 UTCI left Houston midday today (Friday) and I'm typing this in Memphis. I'm going to evaluate things, and either stay put in this area, or press on to the Northeast.
Steven B
2024-04-06 05:13:46 +0000 UTCCurrent NOAA weather briefing shows high pressure in new England. That seems the place to be..... I'm at my new campsite score in Arkansas. There is a fair chance it could be good. Might be some transparent cirrus but that could make interesting partial photos.
Rich Marchbanks
2024-04-06 03:28:45 +0000 UTCWhich area is that? I went to the town page for viewing spots and there are a lot! Cool that the town is right on the max path. This is the page I was looking at: https://www.vincenneseclipse.com/viewing-parking-areas Oh nevermind, I see the dedicated spot on the page now, can't believe it missed it. Turns out it's sold out. I'm going to be bringing a car full of people (mother-in-law, sister and two of my young kids), so I'm not sure it would have been a great spot for them.
William P Gabriel
2024-04-06 00:33:24 +0000 UTCThis town wasn’t on the State site promoting it like Burlington or St Albens. I just called the city hall and talked to them. Their resident astronomy guy and I have been emailing since. Traffic will be ugly. I’m leaving Concord at 6 am 😬
David Beecher
2024-04-06 00:04:01 +0000 UTCUnfortunately our plan means its Texas or bust, long way from the UK to look at cloud, but 40% chance i will take. Also still a long way in terms of forecast accuracy tbh. Won't cry until the clouds are in the way. Alas can't get the free weather app as from outside the US 🙁
Philip Leng
2024-04-05 22:41:40 +0000 UTCFlew into San Antonio, staying in Fredericksburg 40 % chance a t-storms/rain on monday. At least enjoying the birding. Poor local communities put in a lot of effort for this eclipse. I will hope for the best. Please all of you be safe and drive carefully. Best luck/ wishes for Clear Skies!
David Powell
2024-04-05 22:16:54 +0000 UTCMissouri looks to have good weather, as well.
Todd Tucker
2024-04-05 19:11:22 +0000 UTCCareful with Houlton too. Main artery is I95 but remember they just got a good shot of snow which might make parking difficult.
Andrew Desrosiers
2024-04-05 18:58:01 +0000 UTCSorry Nico. Was looking forward to all the astrophotography everyone was to publish. I’m in Central Texas and was heading to Killeen or Waco. It’s a complete bust. The entire state of Texas is covered in clouds from Orange to El Paso on Monday minus maybe Amarillo area. Very disappointed. I just looked up flights to Portland ME and it’s not worth it for us. Wherever you land, safe travels and clear skies. 🤝🏻🔭 -jason
Clear Ambient Skies
2024-04-05 18:44:07 +0000 UTCMy plan is houlton maine. I've heard concerns about the traffic around burlington making very early travel through there a must!
Laurel Pepin
2024-04-05 18:38:22 +0000 UTCWeather in Maine on eclipse day is still holding to be mostly clear skies in the 50s. I'm holding onto my plan to be in the Millinocket area of Maine, or slightly north on the next exit off I-95. I think Houlton is going to get crushed with traffic and I am not sure if it worth driving another hour north of Millinocket for only a few more seconds of totality. I live in Central Maine and in normal traffic (none) it takes about 2 hours from my house to get there. I'll leave early in the morning to hopefully beat some traffic.
Joshua Zukerman
2024-04-05 18:36:58 +0000 UTCIf you choose to head to Indiana Vincennes IN has an area set aside specifically for photographers/astrophotographers. You will need to purchase a $30 parking pass to get access to the area. I plan to be there...weather permitting, with my group. (We will be the geeks wearing the "T-Rex Eclipse" t-shirts.) ~Jamey
Jamey
2024-04-05 18:11:04 +0000 UTCOoh, that looks great David. Definitely adding Richford to the list of possibilities. I'd probably leave before dawn (midnight) if I'm driving from my house on Monday as I'm sure traffic in Northern VT is going to be insane if these forecasts hold
Nico Carver
2024-04-05 18:08:58 +0000 UTCNico, if you’re going to Vermont, join me in Richford. Damn close to the centerline (centerline passes through the town). They are setting up at the elementary school. There’s a $10 per car fee to cover infrastructure (portable toilets and cleanup).
David Beecher
2024-04-05 18:05:01 +0000 UTCWhat about Colebrook to Pittsburg? looks like there are plenty of places to just pull over up there
Geoffrey Maness
2024-04-05 17:41:57 +0000 UTCYou're welcome in my front yard in Fairport, NY. 🙂
Lee Mize
2024-04-05 17:29:25 +0000 UTCGreat! Vermont is looking good
Nico Carver
2024-04-05 17:23:32 +0000 UTCGood plan Kathleen!
Nico Carver
2024-04-05 17:22:49 +0000 UTCAwesome, I’ll let you know if I end up there
Nico Carver
2024-04-05 17:22:25 +0000 UTCWishing you clear skies Jack
Nico Carver
2024-04-05 17:22:06 +0000 UTCNot in the path of totality unfortunately
Nico Carver
2024-04-05 17:21:54 +0000 UTCIf NE, why not stay put at your house in NH? It looks to be clear there off two models.
Lee Mize
2024-04-05 17:18:58 +0000 UTCStuck in Ohio. Hoping for breaks in the clouds.
Jack Bernstein
2024-04-05 17:01:32 +0000 UTCI live in Massachusetts so it’s a little further for me (about 6 hours) but Plattsburgh City Beach seems like the place to be….only worried about parking and then lugging an EQ6R to the area lol
Andrew Desrosiers
2024-04-05 17:00:52 +0000 UTCFor myself I would go to Plattsburgh but I have to wait until the morning before I can head east from Western New York. I am dog watching too :-) so I have to get home in the evening… 4.5 ride is max.
Thomas Marks
2024-04-05 16:58:46 +0000 UTCIf you end up in Illinois or Indiana, I’d love to hang with you—that’s my current driving range coming from the Chicago suburbs
William P Gabriel
2024-04-05 16:58:06 +0000 UTCWe live in Vermilion, OH. Really hoping we can watch from our home (3min53sec), but willing to drive anywhere. Planning to make that final decision on Sunday. I am certain traffic to the east (Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo, upstate NY ) will be much worse than going SW towards IN/IL, but I am game for anything if need be.
Kathleen Morrison
2024-04-05 16:55:16 +0000 UTCGood luck, Nico! It’s absolutely exciting to follow you from far away in Germany!
Wolfgang Reissenberger
2024-04-05 16:55:12 +0000 UTCSorry the plan is a bust. The idea of a much shorter commute is great. Hope it works out. We will make our final decision on Saturday, heading to Chattanooga today then head to final destination.
Lee Friedman
2024-04-05 16:54:16 +0000 UTCStowe VT is our final choice! We leave tonight to drive half way, then will get there Saturday. Then I'll have all day Sunday to figure out where we'll go locally!
Christina
2024-04-05 16:53:23 +0000 UTCI'm in Colorado. I currently have friends in Austin im staying with, and I have another friend in northern Arkansas. If the game-time forecast is no bueno for TX, I'll probably wake up stupid early on Monday and start driving towards Northern Arkansas and hope for some breaks in the clouds. Guess I've gotta buy tickets to Iceland for 2026 ;) Not ideal, but it is what it is
Colorado Bart
2024-04-05 16:52:28 +0000 UTCHey Nico, thanks so much for the videos and inspiring us all to challenge ourselves with capturing the eclipse. I'm on the way to Illinois from Texas. Good call as severe weather might happen in the Dallas Arkansas area. Best of luck to all and may we have 5 minutes of clear skies
Jason Jendrusch
2024-04-05 16:48:43 +0000 UTCI have been leaning to Watertown NY east into the Adirondacks. The forecasts are beginning to align for a good view.
Thomas Marks
2024-04-05 16:44:14 +0000 UTCI was looking forward to the meetup but I’ll be jealous if you find clear skies. I’m not optimistic about our forecast in central Texas right now. Hope you get some epic pictures!
Dustin Behnke
2024-04-05 16:35:48 +0000 UTCI am heading to Carbondale Illinois as it seems to be the best if we have to travel east or west
Vijay Kantamneni
2024-04-05 16:33:17 +0000 UTCGood thoughts. I am setting up in Malone? NY with contingencies set to go to Plattsburgh, NY or Enosburg, VT. I want to stay away from Burlington due to potential traffic.
Andrew Desrosiers
2024-04-05 16:32:07 +0000 UTC
