Total Eclipse of the Sun

For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse is sweeping across the entire United States. On August 21, 2017, a new moon will orbit between the Sun and Earth, casting the nation in shadow.

While the entire continent will witness a partial solar eclipse, only 14 states are in the path of totality and will experience day turn to night. If you're on the road with your groups near the path of totality, GreatAmericanEclipse.com recommends the following 10 places for clear skies and stellar events celebrating.

Madras, Oregon: Coastal locations present the risk of marine clouds, but the interior of Oregon has excellent weather prospects. Madras is easily accessible from Portland (a two-hour drive). Mt. Jefferson sits to the west, and groups could watch has totality envelops its peak 17 seconds before overcoming Madras. Shiver. Shudder. Eerie.

Snake River Valley, Idaho: You know the saying: potato / Idaho ... same thing. But the travel industry knows better. Sure, the Snake River Valley in eastern Idaho claims a lot of farmland, but also lava fields and tons of roads for evasive maneuvering in the event of clouds.

Casper, Wyoming: The Astronomical League is holding its annual Astrocon Conference in Casper, just days before the eclipse. Why? Because the weather prospects are stellar, and there are uncrowded highways extending in all directions in the event spectators need to evade clouds. The city will have a full schedule of special activities, all week long.

Sandhills, Nebraska: Over the past 20 years, a weather observer has taken notes and reported that 70 percent of late August days are favorable for eclipse viewing in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Your groups could also enjoy dark summer nights—with a first-class view of the Milky Way.

St. Joseph, Missouri: Right on the centerline of the eclipse path, St. Joseph will enjoy one of the longest durations of totality in the nation. If your groups are looking for astronomical enlightenment: The Rosecrans Memorial Airport is hosting an eclipse viewing party with educational speakers and solar telescopes.

Carbondale, Illinois: The point of longest duration is just southeast of Carbondale, at geographic location 37° 34' 4.3" North latitude, 89° 06' 10.0" West longitude. Southern Illinois University is hosting festivities and events for visitors throughout the weekend.

Hopkinsville, Kentucky: The City of Hopkinsville has a new name for Solar Eclipse 2017: "Point of Greatest Eclipse." Hoptown has loads of events to choose from celebrating the two minutes and 40 seconds of eclipse.

Nashville, Tennessee: Nashville's location is off the centerline by about 20 miles, but it's the largest city wholly within the path of the total solar eclipse and will experience nearly two minutes of duration. There are plenty of parties honoring the occasion, and Visit Music City even created a playlist to help get your groups in the mood.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina: Viewing the eclipse from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers the opportunity to watch the moon's shadow racing across the landscape. The park is planning three organized public viewing events at three locations: Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove and Oconaluftee.

Columbia, South Carolina: Columbia is the best location on the East Coast to view the total solar eclipse. Attractions, cultural institutions, hospitality and retail businesses will host more than 80 special eclipse-related events throughout the long weekend.

Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for Groups Today.