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Total Rain Eclipse

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Thunderstorms roll through area obstructing view of sun
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By
Mavis Fodness

A joint venture inviting the public to view the total solar eclipse in Rock County went soggy Monday when thunderstorms rolled into the area and obscured any view of the rare occurrence.
Luverne Area Chamber, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation organized the solar eclipse viewing at Touch the Sky Prairie, located northwest of Luverne.
Hosts were initially optimistic that rain showers would clear the area before the 1 p.m. ideal viewing timeframe.
“I hope we will see or feel the magic in this place,” said foundation founder Jim Brandenburg.
He explained that as the moon passes between the earth and the sun, the resulting shadow affects wildlife on the prairie. Most noticeable change occurs in birds whose calls become sunset songs as a result of the sudden darkness.
More than 50 people arrived for the 11 a.m. event. The best viewing of the solar eclipse was shortly after 1 p.m. The event was scheduled to last until 2 p.m.
“The moon, the earth and the sun will all align today,” said Jeff Emmel, who spoke prior to participants retreating to vehicles as thunderstorms moved over the prairie.
Emmel, a nature photographer, was on hand to capture the progression of the moon’s shadow over the sun.
However, the thunderstorm began in earnest around noon and lasted the rest of the afternoon, preventing any viewing of the solar eclipse. Almost an inch of rain was recorded at the Luverne airport.
Local chamber director Jane Wildung Lanphere said she handed out 90 eclipse glasses to protect the eyes of viewers who were on hand to watch the eclipse from the top of the prairie summit.
“It wasn’t a great experience,” she said. “If it was a beautiful day, it would have been terrific.”
Tim Masters with the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls said the thunderstorms were widespread through the Tri-State area. Nebraska was the best location for viewers.
According to the weather service’s website, a total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon due to its narrow path and brevity. The last total eclipse across the U.S. occurred in 1979.
At the ideal viewing time of 1 p.m., the city of Luverne was met with pouring rain and twilight-like darkness, which triggered streetlights to turn on.

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