Darkness puts Nebraska in world’s spotlight

The best public relations firm in the country couldn’t have provided the positive effect Monday’s solar eclipse had for the state of Nebraska.
    While we didn’t have the crowds here in Imperial compared to communities such as Arthur, about 85 miles north of here, the entire state shares in the great exposure Nebraska received as hundreds of thousands of people trekked here to experience total obscuration in a large swath across the state.
    From all reports so far, it was a boon to the state. The Tourism Commission is still calculating the effect, both in dollars and impressions, the eclipse brought to Nebraska.
    As I traveled around town Monday between 11 a.m. and 12 noon, as the eclipse was just starting to make its move, it was very quiet and there was little traffic. I didn’t see a lot of people around or out, likely because those who could get away from their jobs or homes headed elsewhere to see the eclipse in its totality.
    But those of us who stayed here with our solar eclipse glasses certainly had a peaceful experience watching the sun slowly disappear with just a sliver left throughout it. Even though Imperial was at 98.4 percent obscuration, it was surprisingly still so sunny out.
    The biggest change was the temperature. After a very warm morning, the eclipse dropped the mercury several degrees, providing a literally “cool” experience sitting outdoors in the sun.
    I hope you were able to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience here in Nebraska on Monday.
    The only complaint I have? It would’ve been nice to have a few more days in between the Chase County Fair and another major event like a solar eclipse!
    Hope the chance to take it all in didn’t “eclipse” you.