#yeahTHATeclipse: How to experience the Great American Solar Eclipse in Greenville, SC

Life in Greenville

What is a solar eclipse? 

When the moon moves between the sun and the Earth. Watch this video and learn why this solar eclipse is known as the Great American Solar Eclipse. 

eclipse

What time will it occur? 

The total solar eclipse will take place on Monday, August 21st, 2017. The partial eclipse will begin at 1:09 pm in Greenville, SC and will reach totality (complete darkness) at 2:38 pm. The duration of totality will last for 2 minutes and 10 seconds. 

To see the times that the total eclipse will take place in other major U.S. cities, click here. 

When was the last solar eclipse and when will the next one occur? 

The last total solar eclipse that was viewed from the contiguous United States took place on February 26, 1979, but a total eclipse occurred in Hawaii in 1991. After the total solar eclipse that will take place this August, the next annular solar eclipse that can be seen in the continental U.S. will be on October, 14 2023. The United States will experience another total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This will be the only total solar eclipse that Upstate South Carolina will experience until 2078. 

Interestingly enough, an average of two to five solar eclipses occur each year. However, total solar eclipses occur about once every 18 months. 

Where can I go in Greenville to experience the solar eclipse? 

Bob Jones University 

  • When: Monday, August 21st, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm 
  • Where: 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29614
  • What: Students 7th-12th grades, their parents/guardians, and schools are invited to experience hands-on science activities and learn about the scientific, historical, and religious significance of eclipses. The first 2,000 registrants will receive free solar eclipse glasses. 
  • Cost: Free admission, just make sure you register

Children’s Museum of the Upstate

  • When: Monday, August 21st, 9:00 am until 2:38 pm (museum open until 5:00 pm) 
  • Where: 300 College Street, Greenville, SC 29601
  • What: Storytelling on the sun and moon, 3D printing pinhole projectors, space yoga, astronaut inventions, sun corona art, live streams from NASA and the Smithsonian, food trucks onsite, museum cafe open, can bring your own food  
  • Cost: Museum admission purchased on the day of (Children under 1: free, Children ages 1-15: $9, Adults: $10, Seniors 65 and older: $9.50, Military: $9, Members: free) 

Furman University 

  • When: Monday, August 21st from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm 
  • Where: Paladin Stadium, 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613
  • What: Streaming coverage from NASA, narration by Furman scientists, educational activities, solar eclipse glasses, concessions and live music
  • Cost: Free admission

Greenville Drive Baseball

  • When: Monday, August 21st at 1:05 pm
  • Where: 945 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601
  • What: Each ticket includes solar eclipse glasses/ Game will be delayed during eclipse totality 
  • Cost: $8-$16 

NOMA Square

  • When: Monday, August 21st from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
  • Where: 220 North Main Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29601
  • What: Music by Katie and Larry (Cash bar available at Roost)
  • Cost: Free admission

Roper Mountain Science Center

  • When: Saturday, August 19th through Monday, August 21st from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday’s tickets are already sold out)
  • Where: 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SC 29615
  • What: Full Dome Eclipse Shows, hands-on activities and eclipse education stations, NASA Solar System Ambassadors and Educators 
  • Cost: $10 for non-members, $5 for members, children 3 and under are free

UP on the Roof

  • When: Monday, August 21st from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Where:  250 Riverplace #800, Greenville, SC 29601
  • What: Total Eclipse Party including savory bites and sweet treats, music by Kelly Jo and Buffaloe, and solar eclipse sunglasses (Cash bar available)  
  • Cost: $40 

Wherever you choose to view the Great American Solar Eclipse, be sure to be safe and protect your eyes! Some NASA representatives are predicting that August 21st may be one of the worst traffic days in history. 12 million people live within the narrow band of totality that spans about 70 miles across the U.S. and an additional 25 million people live within a day’s drive of the path. So be careful and have fun, Greenville, experiencing this awesome event in history! 

Sources

  • https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/when-was-last-solar-eclipse-seen-contiguous-united-states-and-when-will-next-one-happen
  • https://www.beingintheshadow.com/2013/05/07/annular-versus-total-solar-eclipse/
  • https://www.space.com/33797-total-solar-eclipse-2017-guide.html
  • http://www.eclipse2017.org/2017/communities/states/SC/Greenville_1483.htm
  • http://www.visitgreenvillesc.com/eclipse/
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