Astronomical Event in Makanda
In a fascinating turn of events, the small village of Makanda in southern Illinois is gearing up for another extraordinary total solar eclipse. This village, with a population of around 600 residents, is situated precisely at the point where the path of the previous total eclipse in 2017 intersects with the path of the upcoming eclipse on Monday.
This cosmic occurrence is quite rare, happening on average only once every 375 years as per NASA.
Back in 2017, Makanda witnessed the spectacular moment when the moon obscured the sun for an impressive 2 minutes and 42 seconds - a duration longer than any other location. This led to a surge of thousands of visitors flocking to the quaint village to witness this phenomenon. Debbie Dunn, the festival coordinator in Makanda, anticipates a similar turnout this year.
"I had some butterflies, out of this world for sure, and I had never experienced anything like that, ever," shared one spectator with CBS News in 2017. "That's why we wanted to come here."
Dunn expressed that the previous eclipse evoked unexpected emotions within her, stating, "and it was totally unexpected."
"Mother nature. In awe," she said.
Back in the day, artist Dave Dardis painted an orange line through his shop, which he said represented the center of the path of totality. Asked how he felt about being able to see another total solar eclipse, he expressed his excitement, telling CBS News, "If I'm still alive, I think that will be great!"
CBS News caught up with the artist, now 75, who is still very much looking forward to Monday's eclipse. He's repainted the line in his store, although this year it's just symbolic and won't actually match up with the centerline path of the moon's shadow. He's also creating 1,000 pieces of jewelry for the celestial occasion. Last time, he said, he sold out of all his pendants three days before the big event.
"It feels great, especially if you can make some money while you're feeling great and sharing it with friends," Dardis said this year.
That sentiment echoed down the boardwalk of the self-declared "hippie town."
At Makanda Java Country Store, Genie Schropp is selling solar eclipse-themed T-shirts and trucker hats, as well as Makanda Java Eclipse coffee blend, made special just for the big day.
"Colombia dark roast," she said, "the darkest coffee you can buy here."
After Monday, the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. won't be until 2044, and that eclipse's path of totality won't cut through Makanda. But the locals don't seem to mind. They said they already can't believe their astronomically good luck.
"I don't need to see three," Dardis chuckled. "Just asking for one is sufficient. But two?"
