Tapping the potential for Nebraska's clear skies, open spaces

If you haven’t signed up to rent out your spare room on the Airbnb app Aug. 21, you still have time.

As it is, motels in a wide swath of Nebraska are already full in anticipation of the total solar eclipse that will sweep across the state on that day.

McCook is a little too far south to see the sun completely covered by the moon, but it will be plenty dark — about 97.936 percent covered, at 12:55 p.m. that day. The event will start about an hour and 25 minutes before maximum darkness and last about the same amount of time beyond.

Why is this a big deal?

Doesn’t it get dark every night?

Well, this is the first total eclipse of the Sun visible from the contiguous United States since Feb. 26, 1979. The last time a total eclipse was visible from coast to coast was on June 8, 1919.

The next one won’t be until Aug. 12, 2045, so it’s understandable why even casual skywatchers are taking an interest.

There are about 12 million people who live directly under the path of the eclipse — in Nebraska, that’s places like Stapleton and Grand Island — but there are another 88 million people who live within 200 miles. Extend that to a long days’ drive, and the entire population of the U.S. could take in the astral event if they want to make the effort.

For those of us who can’t take the time, the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce is planning an eclipse party that day at the Coppermill, and there are hundreds of other events along the path of the eclipse.

You’ll want to make sure you and your children take proper precautions when viewing the eclipse to avoid permanent eye damage.

You won’t be able to remove your protective viewing gear in McCook, since we won’t enjoy a total eclipse.

Those who do, however, will be treated to what is described as one of the most spectacular astronomical events in existence.

The sky will turn a deep blue-black, with a blacker-than-black hole where the sun should be, surrounded by glowing mist.

It’s a sight that can’t be described, we’re told, but one that you’ll carry forever.

If a recent University of Nebraska study, published in this paper last Thursday, can be believed, the eclipse should be a windfall for the state’s tourism and hospitality industry.

That study examined the annual Sandhill Crane migration, which, while it occurs every year, should serve as a yardstick for measuring possible eclipse impact.

The study concluded that crane tourists made a $14.3 million impact on the 13 counties along the migratory path in 2017, created the equivalent of 182 full-time jobs, generates $379,000 a year in property, sales and lodging tax revenue, and total 46,500 visitors, most of them from outside the area, spending more than $93 a day.

Business and economic development interests won’t have a chance to capitalize on the solar eclipse again anytime soon, so it behooves them to give it their best shot this time.

It does show the untapped potential Nebraska’s wide open spaces and clear skies offer to those who wish to enjoy them.