BEATRICE, Neb. (KMTV) - For two minutes and 34 seconds a total solar eclipse will cast its shadow over parts of the Nebraska, an event that's drawing the likes of NASA to the Cornhusker state.
"It's a beautiful space and what happens because we're in the big wide open is that you'll see the eclipse coming, it'll look like a storm," Susan Cook of the Homestead National Monument said. "You'll see the darkness coming.....There are four types of eclipses, one in four is total (eclipse), this is very unique."
The Homestead National Monument is a NASA broadcast site - one of few across the eclipse's path. its uniting spectators and nature with Human interaction involving space, sky and stars
The expectation: thousands of visitors to the site over a three-day weekend leading up to the moment of total eclipse at 1:02 pm.
"Especially if you have children you want to take them out. Who knows if you'll get the chance to see another full eclipse like this in their lifetime," Robert Shaw, a man who plans to watch the eclipse, said.
From NASA scientists, to Native American star lore experts and safety demonstrations for eclipse gazing, The Aug. 21 ull eclipse is an extra sensory experience, the likes of which NASA says won't be seen in Nebraska again until 2744.
"Roosters will start crowing because they think it's morning again. The temperature will drop. And shadows become wavy on the ground. They're not solid anymore," Cook said.
The Homestead National Monument is partnering with the Town Chamber of Commerce to launch shuttles that'll take eclipse gazers to the national site from parking areas in town. Hotels in the area have all been booked up since June of last year.
