Isle of Palms Magazine Summer 2017

24 www.IsleOfPalmsMagazine.com | www.ILoveIOP.com | www.IOPmag.com Moon Shadow This Summer’s Historic Eclipse I remember as a child lying on a blanket on my Florida lawn, looking up at the canopy of stars that shined millions of light years above my head. Spotting Orion’s Belt and the Big Dipper, I marveled at the way a whole other world existed far from the one I encountered daily. I still make it a point to venture out to my backyard dock to catch a glimpse of the moon – effervescent, round or at times a faint crescent sliver but always fully glorious. On Aug. 21, 2017, astronomers, space nerds, scientists and fellow stargazers will have a reason to rejoice. A total solar eclipse will be making its way across the United States, with Charleston as its last stop. The celestial occurrence is like a roaming rock star, setting out on a one- day farewell tour, all to the delight of enthused crowds – fans in different cities anxiously awaiting her grand arrival. “I am actually ridiculously excited about this eclipse,” said Laura Penny, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the College of Charleston. “When I started as a professor here at C of C in 1997, I remember seeing this eclipse path and thinking how far in the future it was but how cool it would be. It’s so rare to be in the path of totality, and to have it happen right here where we live and work is amazing.” Isle of Palms officials recognize the wonder that this day will carry and have joined with local hotels and businesses to make sure this momentous occurrence is memorable for residents and guests. The public has responded BY KALENE MCCORT enthusiastically to the city’s “Get Eclipsed” campaign, contacting hotels to make reservations and secure their spot to catch a glimpse of this remarkable sight. The Seaside Inn, a 51-room boutique hotel, has already been booked solid since December 2016. The rooftop pool and spacious sundeck that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean is the perfect spot to watch the eclipse as it rolls into Charleston, with a total eclipse occurring at 2:46 p.m. This will be the first total solar eclipse to touch the continental United States since 1979 and the first to cross from coast to coast since 1918. Getting a start in Oregon around 10 a.m., the projected path of the eclipse will take it clear across America and conclude with a stop in the Lowcountry. “Having people come to Charleston to see the eclipse is great for the region,” said Penny. “I think it’s fantastic how IOP has really been so proactive coming up with an eclipse plan.”